Once a tennis player, now a pickleball star: A look at Armaan Bhatia’s journey to glory

Armaan Bhatia has swiftly emerged as one of India’s brightest pickleball talents, recently showcasing his skill by clinching a historic treble at the PWR DUPR India Masters Pickleball tournament in New Delhi. The Mumbai-based player won in men’s singles, mixed doubles, and men’s doubles, captivating fans and furthering India’s presence in this fast-evolving sport.

Early life and love for Tennis

Growing up in Mumbai, Bhatia initially gravitated towards tennis, dedicating countless hours to the sport with dreams of making it big. His rigorous training and disciplined routine mirrored his dreams, and he was a regular competitor on the tennis circuit. However, tennis opportunities became limited, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about a temporary halt in his sports journey.

Struggles in Tennis makes him shift

As a budding tennis player, Bhatia faced challenges typical of an athlete in a demanding sport, including rigorous competition and financial constraints. Despite these setbacks, he continued to train, finding comfort in the covered indoor courts of Mumbai where he could practice during the monsoon season. It was during these sessions that he first discovered pickleball. What began as a casual time-pass quickly became a new passion, as Bhatia’s skills and techniques from tennis transferred to pickleball’s unique play.

The shift to pickleball

In 2020, Bhatia made the bold decision to transition from tennis to pickleball, initially playing the sport just for recreation. However, his competitive instincts soon took over, and in 2022, he entered his first professional pickleball tournament in Mumbai. His performances were excellent, and he quickly climbed the ranks, catching the eye of pickleball lovers across Asia. By September 2022, Bhatia had fully committed to the sport, refining his game and becoming a certified pickleball coach alongside his previous tennis coaching credentials.

Rising to prominence in sport

Bhatia’s career trajectory took a major leap at the PWR DUPR India Masters 2024, where he faced off against seasoned international players. His resilience was on full display in the singles final against Dusty Boyer, a former tennis pro from the USA, where Bhatia overcame a significant deficit to secure victory in a nail-biting three-set match. His determination to fight back, coupled with his versatile skills, thrilled fans and solidified his reputation in the pickleball world.

Armaan Bhatia’s journey from tennis to pickleball shows his adaptability and passion for sports. With his impressive achievements and the popularity of pickleball rising in India, Bhatia aims to inspire a new generation of players and earn global recognition is the coming years.