Domenika Turkovic: Fighting Her Own Demons
Domenika Turkovic: Fighting Her Own Demons
BY DINK AUTHORITY EDITORIAL TEAM
FEATURING DOMENIKA TURKOVIC — PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL PLAYER · 2026 ENGLISH OPEN CHAMPION
Domenika Turkovic didn't land on this cover overnight. We saw it coming.
Back in 2025, we brought her into a DINK Authority edition for the first time — not as the cover, but as a voice that had already earned its space through results. She hasn't stopped adding to that since: a recurring contributor to the magazine, a constant presence sharing our stories with her community, and above all, an APP Tour-signed athlete who has built her résumé tournament by tournament.
2026 was the year all of that became undeniable. She defended her crown at the English Open. She reached a final in Vietnam alongside Megan Fudge. And along the way, she cemented herself as one of the most complete voices — on and off the court — on the entire international circuit.
That's why, for the whole DINK Authority team, this wasn't a hard call: this is Domi's moment. And everything points to the 2026 season still having more titles and medals in store for her.
There's a kind of pressure that doesn't come from the scoreboard. It comes from within. And in the women's singles final of the 2026 English Open, Domenika Turkovic felt every bit of it.
Two months earlier, in Vietnam, she'd been up two sets against Roos van Reek — and lost. Now, in Birmingham, with the title she was defending and the same rival across the net, this wasn't just a match. It was a rematch against herself.
"Winning another gold in singles at English Open felt special because there was more pressure from the outside factors about defending the title," Domenika says. "I try not to think about winning the title as my goal, my goal is to get better and give it my all, but this final was different because I lost to Roos in Vietnam finals after being up both games just two months before this. I was definitely fighting my inner demons that match, but I'm glad I was able to give it my all and come out on top."
She won. But the cost was real.
"This tournament gave me more confidence for the future but also took out a lot of mental energy. And I'm glad I had my team there with me, as they make the travel easier and fun."
Of Roos, her rival in that final and the one in Vietnam, she speaks without a trace of resentment: "Roos is a great friend and a player who I enjoy playing against, we always make our matches fun."
Vietnam, Megan Fudge, and a Chemistry No One Expected
Months before that rematch in Birmingham, Domenika had crossed half the world to compete on the D-Joy Pickleball Tour in Ho Chi Minh City — a market that, in her words, has something others don't.
"I absolutely love competing in Vietnam as all the players are hungry to get better and prove that they belong. There are also so many fans cheering you on which makes everything more fun."
There, in a first-time partnership, she reached the women's doubles final alongside Megan Fudge.
"It was a first time partnership but it felt right and I trusted her every step of the way." On their chemistry: "She's always so positive on the court and helps me believe in my shots. We never put pressure on ourselves about anything and that always helps. Another thing that I really like about playing with Megan is her experience and point breakdown. She always knows what to do and she barely makes any mistakes — definitely gives me confidence to get better myself too."
From Power to Pattern: How Her Game Has Changed
Asked what's changed the most in her game since her first professional tournament in January 2024, Domenika doesn't point to a new shot — she points to a different way of thinking about the point.
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"The game is constantly changing, and so is my pickleball knowledge. I would say that I stayed an aggressive player like I was at the beginning, but I'm learning how to do it properly through patterns and strategy, not just power."
It's an evolution that extends off the court too. On the mental work required to be a professional athlete, she's surprisingly candid:
"There's a lot of mental work that goes into being a pro athlete. I'm still working on that part of my game by reading specific books, talking to other players about their experience, and reflecting on my matches. The main point that helped me get to where I am today is a constant reminder that a loss isn't the worst thing in this world. It may hurt for a bit but you'll get another opportunity to compete in a week or two. Losses should be used as learning opportunities."
The Footwork She's Still Learning
Coming from a high-performance college tennis career, you'd assume the transition to pickleball came almost naturally to Domenika. It didn't, entirely.
"One of the main things that I struggled with when I switched from tennis to pickleball is footwork. I'm still working on my footwork today because I know it's extremely important and it can always be better."
It's a reminder that even players reaching Championship Sundays remain, in their own words, students of the sport. "I think that I'm still learning so many things in pickleball, and I think that's the beauty of this sport."
An Honest Voice on European Pickleball
As one of the circuit's most visible European players, we asked what she'd like people in her home country to understand about professional pickleball. Her answer went well beyond Croatia — and she didn't hold back.
"I think that Europe is fairly behind when it comes to the strategic part of the game. I love playing tournaments in Europe but you can see a big gap between certain players from different continents. I would love for Europe to put more emphasis on the importance of practice and staying up to date with new pickle patterns and techniques."
On her country, the tone shifts to genuine pride: "I'm proud of how far Croatia has come with opening new clubs and introducing more players to the game. But we still have a lot of work to do."
The Constant Travel — and How She Learned to Manage It
Competing on a truly international circuit carries a cost few see from the outside: time zones, different surfaces, weeks away from home.
"This year has been very challenging with traveling between continents and getting used to different conditions and time zones. I make sure to arrive to my destinations early to give myself the best opportunity to perform at the highest level. I think that by now I learned how many days I need to adjust to big time differences and I know what playing conditions to expect at each venue."
The Road Toward Coaching
Domenika already has one foot in her next chapter, even while still competing actively. Her goal of earning high-level coaching certifications isn't a distant plan — it's already in motion.
"I love coaching so it's always a goal of mine to get proper certifications and learn new skills. This year hasn't been easy when it comes to maneuvering tournaments and coaching due to a lot of travel, but I was able to do a few clinics in Europe which was super fun and a great learning experience for myself as well. I hope to get more certifications and one day be able to certify other coaches too."
What She Shares — and What She Keeps for Herself
On social media, Domenika has been especially active this year, but her focus is shifting.
"This year I've been very active on social media. I enjoy sharing my tournament stories, even after tough losses, but what I find most fun lately is sharing the things that we do outside of tournaments. We try to explore the cities that we visit, because sometimes it becomes too emotionally and physically draining to just travel around and play tournaments. I would love to start sharing more of my training process, both on and off the court. I hope there will be interest in that side of things on Instagram and YouTube."
The Most Special Moment of the Year
Of all the results from a loaded season — including multiple Championship Sundays and representing her country at the International Cup — the moment Domenika picks as most meaningful isn't the biggest in terms of trophies. It's the most personal.
"Overall, I'm very proud of making multiple championship Sundays this year, especially the one at the International Cup where I got to represent my country. However, my favorite memory this year is winning a double crown in my home country. It felt so special that my family was able to watch me compete for the first time in person and to be able to win the gold at the RTA Split."
Goals Left Undefined — On Purpose
Looking ahead to 2027, Domenika doesn't have set goals yet — and that, she says, is intentional. She already learned that lesson the hard way.
"I haven't set any goals for 2027 yet as there are plenty of tournaments left in 2026 to play, but I know that my goals will be measurable. It's important for me to be able to work on my goals and see the progress. In the past I made a mistake and set goals that I can't necessarily control such as winning a tournament or being a number 1 player. Next year my goal will be to improve every part of my game that I have in mind and translate that into matches."
A Day in the Life of Domenika Turkovic
What does it actually look like, day to day, for a player who logged more tournament days than training days this year?
"This year had more tournament days than training days, it feels like. I have a really good group that I travel with (Kat, Glauka, Brandon, Jae, and Monica), so most of my tournament days are the same. I wake up a few hours before the matches start and have a good breakfast. We make sure to warm up well at the venue, from getting our bodies loose through dynamic stretches and reaction ball, to drilling and getting points in. We usually play matches for several hours. Some days we have a lot of fun between matches, and some days we have each other's back after a tough loss. What matters to me the most is that we're always there for each other. At the end of the day we make sure to get a good dinner and enjoy ourselves before getting back into game mode."
With multiple finals, a title defense won against her own demons, and an eye already on her future as a coach, Domenika Turkovic closes out 2026 exactly as she started it: learning. "I think that I'm still learning so many things in pickleball," she says — and in that sentence, perhaps, lies the reason she keeps winning.
Domenika Turkovic: Fighting Her Own Demons
BY DINK AUTHORITY EDITORIAL TEAM
FEATURING DOMENIKA TURKOVIC — PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL PLAYER · 2026 ENGLISH OPEN CHAMPION
Domenika Turkovic didn't land on this cover overnight. We saw it coming.
Back in 2025, we brought her into a DINK Authority edition for the first time — not as the cover, but as a voice that had already earned its space through results. She hasn't stopped adding to that since: a recurring contributor to the magazine, a constant presence sharing our stories with her community, and above all, an APP Tour-signed athlete who has built her résumé tournament by tournament.
2026 was the year all of that became undeniable. She defended her crown at the English Open. She reached a final in Vietnam alongside Megan Fudge. And along the way, she cemented herself as one of the most complete voices — on and off the court — on the entire international circuit.
That's why, for the whole DINK Authority team, this wasn't a hard call: this is Domi's moment. And everything points to the 2026 season still having more titles and medals in store for her.
There's a kind of pressure that doesn't come from the scoreboard. It comes from within. And in the women's singles final of the 2026 English Open, Domenika Turkovic felt every bit of it.
Two months earlier, in Vietnam, she'd been up two sets against Roos van Reek — and lost. Now, in Birmingham, with the title she was defending and the same rival across the net, this wasn't just a match. It was a rematch against herself.
"Winning another gold in singles at English Open felt special because there was more pressure from the outside factors about defending the title," Domenika says. "I try not to think about winning the title as my goal, my goal is to get better and give it my all, but this final was different because I lost to Roos in Vietnam finals after being up both games just two months before this. I was definitely fighting my inner demons that match, but I'm glad I was able to give it my all and come out on top."
She won. But the cost was real.
"This tournament gave me more confidence for the future but also took out a lot of mental energy. And I'm glad I had my team there with me, as they make the travel easier and fun."
Of Roos, her rival in that final and the one in Vietnam, she speaks without a trace of resentment: "Roos is a great friend and a player who I enjoy playing against, we always make our matches fun."
Vietnam, Megan Fudge, and a Chemistry No One Expected
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Months before that rematch in Birmingham, Domenika had crossed half the world to compete on the D-Joy Pickleball Tour in Ho Chi Minh City — a market that, in her words, has something others don't.
"I absolutely love competing in Vietnam as all the players are hungry to get better and prove that they belong. There are also so many fans cheering you on which makes everything more fun."
There, in a first-time partnership, she reached the women's doubles final alongside Megan Fudge.
"It was a first time partnership but it felt right and I trusted her every step of the way." On their chemistry: "She's always so positive on the court and helps me believe in my shots. We never put pressure on ourselves about anything and that always helps. Another thing that I really like about playing with Megan is her experience and point breakdown. She always knows what to do and she barely makes any mistakes — definitely gives me confidence to get better myself too."
From Power to Pattern: How Her Game Has Changed
Asked what's changed the most in her game since her first professional tournament in January 2024, Domenika doesn't point to a new shot — she points to a different way of thinking about the point.
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
"The game is constantly changing, and so is my pickleball knowledge. I would say that I stayed an aggressive player like I was at the beginning, but I'm learning how to do it properly through patterns and strategy, not just power."
It's an evolution that extends off the court too. On the mental work required to be a professional athlete, she's surprisingly candid:
"There's a lot of mental work that goes into being a pro athlete. I'm still working on that part of my game by reading specific books, talking to other players about their experience, and reflecting on my matches. The main point that helped me get to where I am today is a constant reminder that a loss isn't the worst thing in this world. It may hurt for a bit but you'll get another opportunity to compete in a week or two. Losses should be used as learning opportunities."
The Footwork She's Still Learning
Coming from a high-performance college tennis career, you'd assume the transition to pickleball came almost naturally to Domenika. It didn't, entirely.
"One of the main things that I struggled with when I switched from tennis to pickleball is footwork. I'm still working on my footwork today because I know it's extremely important and it can always be better."
It's a reminder that even players reaching Championship Sundays remain, in their own words, students of the sport. "I think that I'm still learning so many things in pickleball, and I think that's the beauty of this sport."
An Honest Voice on European Pickleball
As one of the circuit's most visible European players, we asked what she'd like people in her home country to understand about professional pickleball. Her answer went well beyond Croatia — and she didn't hold back.
"I think that Europe is fairly behind when it comes to the strategic part of the game. I love playing tournaments in Europe but you can see a big gap between certain players from different continents. I would love for Europe to put more emphasis on the importance of practice and staying up to date with new pickle patterns and techniques."
On her country, the tone shifts to genuine pride: "I'm proud of how far Croatia has come with opening new clubs and introducing more players to the game. But we still have a lot of work to do."
The Constant Travel — and How She Learned to Manage It
Competing on a truly international circuit carries a cost few see from the outside: time zones, different surfaces, weeks away from home.
"This year has been very challenging with traveling between continents and getting used to different conditions and time zones. I make sure to arrive to my destinations early to give myself the best opportunity to perform at the highest level. I think that by now I learned how many days I need to adjust to big time differences and I know what playing conditions to expect at each venue."
The Road Toward Coaching
Domenika already has one foot in her next chapter, even while still competing actively. Her goal of earning high-level coaching certifications isn't a distant plan — it's already in motion.
"I love coaching so it's always a goal of mine to get proper certifications and learn new skills. This year hasn't been easy when it comes to maneuvering tournaments and coaching due to a lot of travel, but I was able to do a few clinics in Europe which was super fun and a great learning experience for myself as well. I hope to get more certifications and one day be able to certify other coaches too."
What She Shares — and What She Keeps for Herself
On social media, Domenika has been especially active this year, but her focus is shifting.
"This year I've been very active on social media. I enjoy sharing my tournament stories, even after tough losses, but what I find most fun lately is sharing the things that we do outside of tournaments. We try to explore the cities that we visit, because sometimes it becomes too emotionally and physically draining to just travel around and play tournaments. I would love to start sharing more of my training process, both on and off the court. I hope there will be interest in that side of things on Instagram and YouTube."
The Most Special Moment of the Year
Of all the results from a loaded season — including multiple Championship Sundays and representing her country at the International Cup — the moment Domenika picks as most meaningful isn't the biggest in terms of trophies. It's the most personal.
"Overall, I'm very proud of making multiple championship Sundays this year, especially the one at the International Cup where I got to represent my country. However, my favorite memory this year is winning a double crown in my home country. It felt so special that my family was able to watch me compete for the first time in person and to be able to win the gold at the RTA Split."
Goals Left Undefined — On Purpose
Looking ahead to 2027, Domenika doesn't have set goals yet — and that, she says, is intentional. She already learned that lesson the hard way.
"I haven't set any goals for 2027 yet as there are plenty of tournaments left in 2026 to play, but I know that my goals will be measurable. It's important for me to be able to work on my goals and see the progress. In the past I made a mistake and set goals that I can't necessarily control such as winning a tournament or being a number 1 player. Next year my goal will be to improve every part of my game that I have in mind and translate that into matches."
A Day in the Life of Domenika Turkovic
What does it actually look like, day to day, for a player who logged more tournament days than training days this year?
"This year had more tournament days than training days, it feels like. I have a really good group that I travel with (Kat, Glauka, Brandon, Jae, and Monica), so most of my tournament days are the same. I wake up a few hours before the matches start and have a good breakfast. We make sure to warm up well at the venue, from getting our bodies loose through dynamic stretches and reaction ball, to drilling and getting points in. We usually play matches for several hours. Some days we have a lot of fun between matches, and some days we have each other's back after a tough loss. What matters to me the most is that we're always there for each other. At the end of the day we make sure to get a good dinner and enjoy ourselves before getting back into game mode."
With multiple finals, a title defense won against her own demons, and an eye already on her future as a coach, Domenika Turkovic closes out 2026 exactly as she started it: learning. "I think that I'm still learning so many things in pickleball," she says — and in that sentence, perhaps, lies the reason she keeps winning.
