Grace’s Underdog Journey: From Injury to Podium at the Australian PPA
Sureena Shree ChandrasekarWhen Grace clinched third place at the Australian PPA it wasn’t just another podium finish, it was a breakthrough moment for a Malaysian underdog who has fought through setbacks, leaned on her community, and turned belief into results. Grace’s community support entails a sponsorship from Base that includes coaching, physio therapy and tournament support with hopes of helping her reach her goal of levelling up to a 4.0 player
Competing Across Borders
Grace walked into Australia carrying more than just her paddle. She carried the fire of Malaysia’s competitive spirit and the lessons of sportsmanship she would soon discover abroad.
“In Australia, players are chill even at the 4.5 level. They clap when you hit a good shot, and it feels uplifting,” she shared. “In Malaysia, it’s fiery. Players roar with every winner, and the hunger to win is intense. Both are beautiful in their own way. What I’ve learned is that we can combine the Aussies’ sportsmanship with the Malaysians’ fighting spirit.”
It was this blend of composure and fire that set the tone for her campaign.
The Road Back from Injury
Not long ago, an SIJ injury threatened to derail her momentum. But with relentless care from SFL Performance Centre and Synapse Physio, Grace stepped onto the court stronger than ever.
Knowing her body was taken care of gave her the confidence to perform. And mentally, she leaned on her circle.
For Grace, standing on the podium was not an individual achievement, it was a collective one. She dedicated the moment to the people and organisations who walked this journey with her:
- Base Pickleball, her anchor and training home, where she grew her game and confidence.
- SFL Performance Centre & Synapse Physio, for ensuring she could compete at her best and prevent further injuries as best as they could.
- Coach Gee, for being both a strategist and a motivator.
- Ian, for his steady mentorship beyond the court.
- Coming Soon, for commitment, patience, and partnership in doubles and also in life as her loving husband whom she gets to share this dream of a journey alongside.
- Friends, family, and training partners who cheered her on through every high and low
“These people were my anchors,” Grace said. “Every clap, every word of encouragement, every hour they invested in me, it all added up to this moment.”
Empowering the Next Wave of Women
Grace has a clear message for women in pickleball: strength and confidence belong to you.
Her advice is sharp and actionable:
- Strength matters, embrace weights for power and injury prevention.
- Respect recovery, listen to your body and cycles.
- Play bold, trust your shots without hesitation.
- Speak up, your voice in doubles is as valuable as your paddle.
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Find your circle, surround yourself with people who push you forward.
Grace’s journey reminds us that women in pickleball aren’t just participating; they are setting standards, rewriting expectations, and inspiring the next generation.
A Podium Moment That Resonates
For Grace, the bronze medal was more than hardware. It was proof that setbacks don’t define you, communities lift you, and belief can take you across borders.
“Meeting players from around the world and realizing we’re all connected by the same love for pickleball was the real win,” she said. “The medal was just the reflection of everything it took to get here.”
Grace’s underdog story is now part of Malaysia’s growing pickleball narrative, one where women are no longer on the sidelines, but firmly on the podium.
