DALLAS, TX - The United Pickleball Association is suspending Andrei Daescu from UPA-sanctioned competition for 60 days, the organization announced Tuesday afternoon.

The suspension comes from a violation involving one of Daescu’s paddles during MLP Atlanta, where a foreign substance was found on one of the paddles that he submitted to Pickle Pro Labs for on-site testing. That substance was later confirmed to be an illegal substance that remains unnamed by the UPA.

The UPA says that Daescu has acknowledged that the paddle’s surface had been manipulated, though he has yet to comment publicly on the situation.

In addition to not being able to compete in either PPA or MLP events until mid-July, the 4-time 2024 PPA medalist has also been fined $50,000 and placed on probation for one year.

The suspension means that Daescu will miss at least the CIBC Texas Open powered by TIXR, the Veolia Sacramento Open presented by Best Day Brewing, and the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Fitvine.

As a member of the AZ Drive, he will miss MLP D.C. and the Mid-Season Tournament.