For over a decade, Do Minh Quan was a dominant force in Vietnamese men’s tennis, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Now, the former tennis champion has embraced a new challenge—pickleball. His transition to this rapidly growing sport has drawn attention, and his recent performance at the PPA Mesa Cup 2025 showcased his competitive drive and adaptability.
A Strong Showing at the PPA Mesa Cup 2025
At the PPA Mesa Cup 2025, part of the prestigious PPA Tour, Do Minh Quan competed in the men’s singles Pro qualifying round. He made an impressive start, securing two consecutive victories—first overcoming Keaten Kappes in a hard-fought 2-1 match (7/11, 11/7, 11/3) and then defeating Riley Inn in straight sets (11/7, 11/1). However, his run was halted in the third round by Jace Morris, placing him 11th out of 69 competitors. With only the top five players advancing to the main event, the competition proved to be a challenging but valuable experience.
In men’s doubles, Do Minh Quan partnered with Levi Daniel. The duo won their first match but were eliminated in the second round, finishing 22nd out of 54 teams. With only eight pairs qualifying for the main event, the level of competition was intense. Despite the early exit, the tournament added to Do Minh Quan’s growing profile in the pickleball world.
From Tennis Champion to Pickleball Contender
Despite not advancing to the main event, Do Minh Quan’s performance at the PPA Mesa Cup marked a significant milestone in his pickleball journey. His involvement in the sport has been met with enthusiasm, especially among those familiar with his remarkable tennis career.
For many Vietnamese sports fans, Do Minh Quan’s name is synonymous with tennis excellence. At just 17 years old, he won the national championship in 2001, marking the beginning of a decade-long reign as Vietnam’s top player. However, in 2013, after a pivotal match against rising talent Ly Hoang Nam, he retired from professional tennis. He then pursued coaching studies in the United States, briefly returning to tennis in 2017 before stepping away completely.
A New Era in Pickleball
Do Minh Quan’s competitive spirit led him to discover pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Since dedicating himself to professional pickleball in 2021, he has made remarkable strides, achieving a major milestone by winning the men’s singles 5.0 category at an APP tournament in 2024.
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