
Meet Dwi Mahendra, Pickleball Pro and Sunday Shades Ambassador
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We are super excited to welcome Dwi Mahendra on board as one of our ambassadors.
If you’ve been following the rise of pickleball in Asia, chances are you’ve heard the name Dwi Mahendra. He’s one of the top-ranked players in the region, a regular at international tournaments, and now, representing Sunday Shades as one of our athlete ambassadors. We caught up with him to learn more about his journey, his training, and what keeps him motivated.
How it all began
Dwi first picked up a pickleball paddle back in 2019. What started out as just trying something new quickly became a passion. “My mom has always been my biggest inspiration,” he shares, crediting her for giving him the drive to go all in with the sport.
On competing at the highest level
Since then, Dwi’s gone on to play in some of the sport’s biggest competitions — the PPA Tour Asia, PPA Tour Australia, and even the World Pickleball Championship. When asked about his best performances, he lights up recalling matches in Bali, Korea, Malaysia, and India between 2022 and 2024. Those were the moments where everything came together.
Training, on and off the court
When it comes to preparing for tournaments, Dwi focuses on the basics: solid fundamentals, plenty of repetitions on his weaker side, and strategy sessions with other players. Outside of tournament prep, his routine looks a little different. “I like more active recovery,” he says. “Cycling, gym sessions, even reading a book.” It’s all about balance.
Food, fuel, and the occasional treat
Like any athlete, diet plays a role in Dwi’s training. He keeps things simple — less rice at dinner, fewer sweets, and only one “cheat day” a week for junk food. Still, he admits he’s not always perfect with nutrition, and that’s okay. Consistency, not perfection, is his rule.
Advice for new players
If you’re just getting started in pickleball, Dwi’s advice is straightforward: “Keep consistent. Enjoy the progress and feel the difference later.”
Favorite places to play
Some of Dwi’s favorite places to train include Singapore’s Performance Pickleball, Malaysia, Picklebali Club (Bali), and Picklehub Jakarta. For him, it’s not just about great facilities. “It’s the community, the people… and of course, the nice food,” he says with a laugh.
Life beyond pickleball
Pickleball may take up most of his time, but Dwi also loves exploring. Touring new places on his motorcycle is one of his favorite ways to unwind and see the world from a different perspective.
Wrapping up
Whether he’s battling it out on the court or cruising on his motorcycle, Dwi Mahendra is all about embracing new challenges and enjoying the journey. We’re proud to have him as part of our Sunday Shades team, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for him in the world of pickleball.