Armaan Bhatia’s Unconventional Strategy: Armaan Bhatia stands on the brink of achieving an unprecedented milestone in Indian pickleball. Already established as the No. 1 Doubles player in India alongside Harsh Mehta, Bhatia has also risen to prominence across Asia. At the PWR DUPR India Masters, Bhatia’s skill and strategy have led him to the finals in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. As he moves toward a possible triple crown, his journey is marked by a key aspect of his game that has set him apart from the competition.
The Tennis Influence: Mastering the Two-Handed Backhand
Reflecting on the foundation of his technique, Bhatia highlights his tennis background, particularly the transition from a single-handed to a two-handed backhand, a shift that has deeply impacted his pickleball play. “I have realized that tennis over the years had a transitional phase—from the single-handed backhand to a double-handed backhand. That translated into pickleball a lot,” Bhatia told usopenpickleball. His two-handed backhand is a rarity in Indian and Asian pickleball circles, making it a distinctive and potent tool on the court.
Bhatia’s two-handed backhand, often described as his “secret sauce,” provides a combination of power, stability, and control that’s unmatched in regional play. “I feel that I have a solid two-handed backhand, which gives me an advantage, at least in the Asian and Indian circuit because not a lot of people hit a two-handed backhand. That’s probably a differentiator,” Bhatia explained. His technique has been essential to his success, granting him the upper hand in competitive rallies and securing his place in three finals.
Development of a Unique Strategy
Although he turned professional only last September, Bhatia’s rapid growth in pickleball can be attributed to his natural affinity for the sport, enhanced by his tennis roots. “A lot of it came to me naturally from tennis. So it was just a lot of work that was needed to get it from fine to good, good to better, and just being up there. But being very honest, it came very naturally to me,” he shared with Sports Now. His dedication to refining his skills has accelerated his rise in the sport, culminating in this season’s stellar performance.
Eyes on the Global Stage
Looking to the future, Bhatia remains ambitious and is determined to rank among the world’s best. While he has already reached the pinnacle in India and Asia, he envisions breaking into the global elite. “I mean, I’ve ticked one box now, that’s being India and probably Asia’s best,” Bhatia said. “The goal is to be in the top five in the world,” he added.
With finals looming, Armaan Bhatia’s focus remains steadfast as he aims for a groundbreaking triple title win at the PWR DUPR India Masters.
News in Brief: Armaan Bhatia’s Unconventional Strategy
Armaan Bhatia’s journey at the PWR DUPR India Masters has brought him to the finals in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, with the prospect of winning all three. Known for his unique two-handed backhand, Bhatia’s success is attributed to his tennis background, which has given him an edge on the court. Now, with aspirations to rank among the world’s best, he’s aiming to make history in Indian pickleball and extend his reach internationally.
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