Armaan Bhatia Eyes Historic Treble: Armaan Bhatia is one step away from claiming three titles in the PWR DUPR India Masters Pickleball Tournament, which is taking place at the DLTA courts. The 25-year-old, heralded as one of India’s most promising pickleball talents, secured his place in the finals of both mixed and men’s doubles. He will be the only competitor in the $50,000 tournament to feature in three finals on Sunday.
Mixed Doubles Finals Bound with Dutch Partner
For the mixed doubles, Bhatia partnered with Dutch player Roos Van Reek to defeat the Indian-Australian team of Vishal Masand and Sarah Burr, securing an 11-5, 11-1 victory to advance to the final. The Indo-Dutch pair will face Australians George Wall and Danni Townsend, who themselves came off a tough semifinal match against the Australian-American duo, Emilia Schmidt and Casey Diamond.
Earlier in the quarterfinals, Bhatia and Van Reek overcame the Australian pair of Kaitlynn Hart and Mitchell Hargreaves in straight games. Establishing a dominant 7-0 lead in the first set, they claimed it 11-1. The second set was more competitive, but Bhatia and Van Reek held firm to secure an 11-6 win and advance.
Embracing Pickleball After Tennis
Bhatia, also a finalist in men’s singles and doubles (partnering with Harsh Mehta), is hopeful for a historic treble victory. “I am hoping for a hat-trick tomorrow,” he said. A former professional tennis player, Bhatia transitioned to pickleball just last September and has quickly risen in the sport. He recalls his initial exposure at the Khar Gymkhana in Mumbai, where he played pickleball for fun during rainy days. The sport became more serious during the Covid lockdown when he struggled with a hamstring injury, prompting him to shift focus to pickleball, which can be played indoors.
“It was not a whimsical decision. I thought over it for about two years before taking the plunge,” Bhatia explained. His tennis background has proven advantageous in pickleball, especially at the net, where his quick reflexes and efficient volleys make him a formidable opponent.
Facing Dusty Boyer in Singles Final
In the men’s singles final, Bhatia will challenge top-seeded Dusty Boyer from the United States, who also transitioned from tennis to pickleball. “It will be a tough match. Armaan is in great form, and I am looking forward to the match-up,” said Boyer, the Florida-based player.
News in Brief: Armaan Bhatia Eyes Historic Treble
Armaan Bhatia is set to compete in three finals at the PWR DUPR India Masters Pickleball Tournament, aiming for a rare treble. Alongside Dutch partner Roos Van Reek, he advanced to the mixed doubles final after defeating Vishal Masand and Sarah Burr. He also reached the men’s singles and men’s doubles finals with Harsh Mehta. Having switched to pickleball from tennis last year, Bhatia is quickly making a name for himself, hoping to secure a hat-trick of titles at the event.
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