Mehvish Safdar
Gender
Female
Age
29
Location
Durham, North Carolina
Plays
Right-handed
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Mehvish’s Profile
Mehvish Safdar was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, to parents who immigrated from Pakistan to pursue careers in medicine. She began playing tennis at a young age, inspired by her two older sisters, and quickly excelled in the sport. By high school, she had become a formidable player, leading her team to a state doubles championship in 2010 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, a venue she had long admired.
After high school, Mehvish attended the University of Minnesota on a full athletic scholarship, where she continued to shine in tennis, earning a spot among the top 10 nationally ranked juniors and becoming a three-time Ohio state champion. Her collegiate tennis career was marked by numerous accolades, including a place in the top 20 all-time doubles wins at Minnesota. Following her graduation, Mehvish pursued a Ph.
D. in sport psychology at Indiana University, where she discovered pickleball in 2022. The sport’s blend of strategy and athleticism resonated with her, and she quickly transitioned from tennis to pickleball, applying her competitive drive and sportsmanship to this new arena.
In 2024, she fully committed to professional pickleball, achieving a top 50 singles and top 100 doubles ranking on the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. Her impressive performance caught the attention of Major League Pickleball, leading to her selection as the 13th overall draft pick for the Utah Black Diamonds in 2025. Mehvish’s playing style is characterized by her strategic shot-making and adaptability, skills honed from her extensive tennis background.
She has primarily competed in women’s doubles alongside her sister, Komal Safdar, a medical doctor and former Division I tennis player, showcasing a strong familial bond on the court. Off the court, Mehvish is dedicated to her academic pursuits, aiming to help athletes enhance their mental game through her expertise in sport psychology. Her journey from tennis to pickleball exemplifies her resilience and passion for sports, and she continues to inspire with her dedication and achievements.
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Top Strategy Tips
Focus on strategic shot placement to control the pace of the game.
Utilize the backhand slice to force opponents into defensive positions.
Maintain a balanced stance to quickly transition between offense and defense.
🏆 Career Highlights
Top 50 singles and top 100 doubles ranking on the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour in 2024
Selected as the 13th overall draft pick for the Utah Black Diamonds in the 2025 Major League Pickleball season
Three-time Ohio state champion in tennis