Lorena Duknic: From Professional Tennis Player to Rising Star in Pickleball
DINK AUTHORITY MAGAZINE | PICKLEBALL PLAYER
LORENA DUKNIC: FROM PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER TO RISING STAR IN PICKLEBALL
By Oscar Pena
In the world of sports, transitions are common, but few are as impactful as Lorena Duknic's. Originally from Croatia, Lorena left behind a successful career in professional tennis to dive into a new challenge: pickleball. With a history of achievements both on and off the court, Lorena is proving that her ability to adapt knows no bounds.
Before becoming known in the pickleball world, Lorena built a solid career in tennis. She was one of the brightest rising stars of her generation, excelling in both junior and senior categories, ranking among the top 20 in her country and winning doubles titles. Her time at Lipscomb University in the United States served as a launching pad for her success, earning her a spot on the All-Academic Team of the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2016. But like many elite athletes, Lorena started seeking something new, something that would challenge her in a different way.
It was in 2024 when she decided to make the switch to pickleball, and in just a few months, she has become one of the sport's most promising players. Her participation in major tournaments like the UPA Laplasty World Championships, the PPA CIBC Texas Open, and most recently the APP Cayman Islands — where she finished 4th in Women's Pro Singles — has helped her gain significant visibility. In all these events, Lorena showed impressive skill, competing in mixed and women's doubles as well as women's singles. Despite being relatively new to the sport, her strategic approach and technical ability have captivated both audiences and fellow players alike.
But Lorena is not just an exceptional athlete. With an MBA in marketing and over seven years of experience in the field, she has successfully balanced her professional career with her love for sport. She currently serves as the digital marketing manager at Lee Company, where she leads data-driven campaigns focused on customer acquisition and retention — an approach she also applies to her pickleball career. As a coach and JOOLA brand ambassador, Lorena has become a key figure in the pickleball community, helping to grow the sport and promote unique experiences for fans.
Off the court, Lorena is known for her enthusiasm and positive mindset. Through her social media platforms, she shares pickleball-related content, including event promotions and experiences like pickleball getaways in Croatia — an idea that invites her followers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the sport in exotic locations.
Today, Lorena Duknic is not only a name to watch in the world of pickleball, but also an inspiration to those seeking reinvention and pursuing their passions. With her dedication, professionalism, and love for the sport, it's clear that Lorena has a lot more to offer in the future.
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PICKLEBALL PLAYER — Q&A
Op: What motivated you to transition from professional tennis to pickleball?
LD: I've played tennis my whole life and always loved the sport. After finishing my college tennis career at a Division 1 school, I suffered a knee injury — an ACL and meniscus tear. At the time, I didn't think I could continue playing tennis or any sport. That changed when I discovered pickleball. I spent six years coaching pickleball before stepping into competitive play just last year. The transition felt natural thanks to my tennis background, and it's been exciting to explore and develop my game ever since.
Op: How do you balance your career in marketing with your life as a pickleball player and coach?
LD: Balancing my career in marketing and finance with playing and coaching pickleball hasn't always been easy, but I've been incredibly fortunate to have amazing support from my employers. They've not only been flexible but have also encouraged me to chase my goals, which has made a huge difference in making it all work. I've been coaching for eight years, and I'm so grateful for my amazing clients who always grab my available time whenever I'm in town. Coaching is something I genuinely love — it's so rewarding to help people improve their game and see them succeed. With tournaments, I'm able to set my own schedule and plan around holidays and big events, but it still takes a lot of juggling — late nights, early mornings, staying organized, and having a lot of help from the people around me. I couldn't do it without them, and I'm beyond grateful for all the support that makes this crazy schedule possible. I also want to give a huge thank you to my sponsors and the brands that have been with me from the very beginning — Blinded Wear Co., Everyone Reset, Badhu Grips, Montis Pickleball Shoes, We Build Pickleball, and JOOLA. Your support has meant the world to me, and I'm so excited for everything ahead. Let's keep growing and pushing the game forward together!
Op: What has been your most memorable pickleball tournament so far?
LD: My most memorable tournament so far has been the APP Cayman Islands. I absolutely love this event — I just got back — wishing I was still there, playing pickleball and soaking up the incredible atmosphere. Everything about this event was special, from the stunning location to the amazing hospitality of our hosts and the entire pickleball community. What made this tournament truly unforgettable was the people. Everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome, showing us around the island, cheering us on during matches, and taking our clinics with such enthusiasm. Their kindness and support made the experience even more rewarding. On top of all that, this tournament was a career highlight for me — I finished 4th in Women's Pro Singles, which made it even more special. The food was incredible, the competition was intense, and APP did an outstanding job running the event. It was an unforgettable experience, and I already can't wait to go back!
Op: You recently announced JOOLA as your new sponsor. How does the brand influence your approach to pickleball?
LD: I'm beyond excited to announce that I am officially signed with JOOLA as my new sponsor! This is a huge milestone in my career, and I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us. JOOLA is an industry leader, known for pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in pickleball. Partnering with a brand of this caliber is an incredible honor, and it motivates me even more to keep growing and competing at the highest level. From day one, the JOOLA team has been nothing but amazing — welcoming me with open arms and providing unwavering support for my journey. I'm thrilled to represent such a prestigious brand and be part of a team that shares my passion for the sport.
Op: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in pickleball?
LD: A lot of people say, "Just have fun with it!" when giving advice to new and advancing players — and while I absolutely agree, I'd also encourage players to invest in themselves. If you truly love pickleball and see yourself playing long-term, bet on yourself. One of the best things you can do early on is work with a coach who can help you build the right habits and strong fundamentals from the start. Having a solid foundation is the key to real growth in this sport. It not only helps you improve faster but also prevents bad habits that can hold you back later. Whether it's refining your technique, understanding strategy, or just developing the right mindset, investing in your development will make the game even more enjoyable in the long run. So go all in, put in the work, and watch yourself level up!
See you guys next time.
DINK AUTHORITY MAGAZINE | PICKLEBALL PLAYER
LORENA DUKNIC: FROM PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER TO RISING STAR IN PICKLEBALL
By Oscar Pena
In the world of sports, transitions are common, but few are as impactful as Lorena Duknic's. Originally from Croatia, Lorena left behind a successful career in professional tennis to dive into a new challenge: pickleball. With a history of achievements both on and off the court, Lorena is proving that her ability to adapt knows no bounds.
Before becoming known in the pickleball world, Lorena built a solid career in tennis. She was one of the brightest rising stars of her generation, excelling in both junior and senior categories, ranking among the top 20 in her country and winning doubles titles. Her time at Lipscomb University in the United States served as a launching pad for her success, earning her a spot on the All-Academic Team of the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2016. But like many elite athletes, Lorena started seeking something new, something that would challenge her in a different way.
It was in 2024 when she decided to make the switch to pickleball, and in just a few months, she has become one of the sport's most promising players. Her participation in major tournaments like the UPA Laplasty World Championships, the PPA CIBC Texas Open, and most recently the APP Cayman Islands — where she finished 4th in Women's Pro Singles — has helped her gain significant visibility. In all these events, Lorena showed impressive skill, competing in mixed and women's doubles as well as women's singles. Despite being relatively new to the sport, her strategic approach and technical ability have captivated both audiences and fellow players alike.
But Lorena is not just an exceptional athlete. With an MBA in marketing and over seven years of experience in the field, she has successfully balanced her professional career with her love for sport. She currently serves as the digital marketing manager at Lee Company, where she leads data-driven campaigns focused on customer acquisition and retention — an approach she also applies to her pickleball career. As a coach and JOOLA brand ambassador, Lorena has become a key figure in the pickleball community, helping to grow the sport and promote unique experiences for fans.
Off the court, Lorena is known for her enthusiasm and positive mindset. Through her social media platforms, she shares pickleball-related content, including event promotions and experiences like pickleball getaways in Croatia — an idea that invites her followers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the sport in exotic locations.
Today, Lorena Duknic is not only a name to watch in the world of pickleball, but also an inspiration to those seeking reinvention and pursuing their passions. With her dedication, professionalism, and love for the sport, it's clear that Lorena has a lot more to offer in the future.
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
PICKLEBALL PLAYER — Q&A
Op: What motivated you to transition from professional tennis to pickleball?
LD: I've played tennis my whole life and always loved the sport. After finishing my college tennis career at a Division 1 school, I suffered a knee injury — an ACL and meniscus tear. At the time, I didn't think I could continue playing tennis or any sport. That changed when I discovered pickleball. I spent six years coaching pickleball before stepping into competitive play just last year. The transition felt natural thanks to my tennis background, and it's been exciting to explore and develop my game ever since.
Op: How do you balance your career in marketing with your life as a pickleball player and coach?
LD: Balancing my career in marketing and finance with playing and coaching pickleball hasn't always been easy, but I've been incredibly fortunate to have amazing support from my employers. They've not only been flexible but have also encouraged me to chase my goals, which has made a huge difference in making it all work. I've been coaching for eight years, and I'm so grateful for my amazing clients who always grab my available time whenever I'm in town. Coaching is something I genuinely love — it's so rewarding to help people improve their game and see them succeed. With tournaments, I'm able to set my own schedule and plan around holidays and big events, but it still takes a lot of juggling — late nights, early mornings, staying organized, and having a lot of help from the people around me. I couldn't do it without them, and I'm beyond grateful for all the support that makes this crazy schedule possible. I also want to give a huge thank you to my sponsors and the brands that have been with me from the very beginning — Blinded Wear Co., Everyone Reset, Badhu Grips, Montis Pickleball Shoes, We Build Pickleball, and JOOLA. Your support has meant the world to me, and I'm so excited for everything ahead. Let's keep growing and pushing the game forward together!
Op: What has been your most memorable pickleball tournament so far?
LD: My most memorable tournament so far has been the APP Cayman Islands. I absolutely love this event — I just got back — wishing I was still there, playing pickleball and soaking up the incredible atmosphere. Everything about this event was special, from the stunning location to the amazing hospitality of our hosts and the entire pickleball community. What made this tournament truly unforgettable was the people. Everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome, showing us around the island, cheering us on during matches, and taking our clinics with such enthusiasm. Their kindness and support made the experience even more rewarding. On top of all that, this tournament was a career highlight for me — I finished 4th in Women's Pro Singles, which made it even more special. The food was incredible, the competition was intense, and APP did an outstanding job running the event. It was an unforgettable experience, and I already can't wait to go back!
Op: You recently announced JOOLA as your new sponsor. How does the brand influence your approach to pickleball?
LD: I'm beyond excited to announce that I am officially signed with JOOLA as my new sponsor! This is a huge milestone in my career, and I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us. JOOLA is an industry leader, known for pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in pickleball. Partnering with a brand of this caliber is an incredible honor, and it motivates me even more to keep growing and competing at the highest level. From day one, the JOOLA team has been nothing but amazing — welcoming me with open arms and providing unwavering support for my journey. I'm thrilled to represent such a prestigious brand and be part of a team that shares my passion for the sport.
Op: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in pickleball?
LD: A lot of people say, "Just have fun with it!" when giving advice to new and advancing players — and while I absolutely agree, I'd also encourage players to invest in themselves. If you truly love pickleball and see yourself playing long-term, bet on yourself. One of the best things you can do early on is work with a coach who can help you build the right habits and strong fundamentals from the start. Having a solid foundation is the key to real growth in this sport. It not only helps you improve faster but also prevents bad habits that can hold you back later. Whether it's refining your technique, understanding strategy, or just developing the right mindset, investing in your development will make the game even more enjoyable in the long run. So go all in, put in the work, and watch yourself level up!
See you guys next time.
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