India’s leading men’s singles player Armaan Bhatia roared to a second consecutive APP Tour title by defeating Poland’s Patrick Kawka 15-8, 15-11 at the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP Newport Beach Open. The victory arrives just six weeks after his breakthrough triumph at the APP New York City Open, where he stunned newly signed PPA pro Alex Crum 15-10, 27-25. According to available tour records, Bhatia is the first Indian to claim multiple APP men’s singles crowns—a milestone for South Asian pickleball.
A 2025 Medal Collection That Turns Heads
Bhatia’s results this season underline his versatility across continents and disciplines:
- Gold – APP Newport Beach Open, Men’s Singles (def. Patrick Kawka)
- Gold – APP New York City Open, Men’s Singles (def. Alex Crum)
- Silver – APP Vlasic Classic, Cincinnati, Men’s Singles (runner-up to Grayson Goldin)
- Bronze – US Open Pickleball Championships, Men’s Doubles (with Harsh Mehta)
- Gold – D-Joy Pickleball Tour Stage 1, Vietnam, Mixed Doubles
The haul spans three disciplines on both U.S. and Asian soil, demonstrating why global equipment giant JOOLA lists Bhatia among its elite athletes.
Rankings, Relocation, and Bigger Dreams
Fresh rankings released in early July place the Mumbai native at No. 13 in APP men’s singles—the highest-ranked Indian on tour. To maximize training time and tournament access, Bhatia has relocated to the United States for extended blocks this year.
Yet his ambitions reach beyond the APP:
“I have been in conversation with the PPA and the UPA for a bit and then we have not spoken a lot in the recent few weeks. But I am keen to play,” he told The Dink Pickleball vodcast.
“My team and I are reviewing all possibilities to see what is going to be the best for me through this year. But if that does not happen this year, I am happy doing the APP and the international stuff for this year and then we can see what next year holds for me.”
A Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) contract would also open doors to competition in Major League Pickleball (MLP)—the franchise format attracting TV coverage and major sponsors.
“One of My Best Weeks Ever”
Reflecting on the Newport win, Bhatia praised both his opponent and his own composure:
“I think this tournament was probably one of the best I’ve played singles-wise,” he said courtside. “It’s been a great week, and I’d like to congratulate Patrick on two tough finals. He’s been playing great, and I hope to have more finals with you.”
Next Stop: APP Next Kansas City (17–20 July 2025)
Bhatia’s momentum rolls on when the APP caravan reaches Kansas City. Another deep run will tighten his grip on a top-10 ranking and keep PPA recruiters watching closely.
Why Bhatia’s Streak Matters for Asian Pickleball
- Role-Model Effect: His U.S. victories prove that players from Asia can win on the sport’s biggest stages, inspiring clubs from Mumbai to Manila.
- Commercial Catalyst: Sponsors and event promoters now have a headline star to anchor Asian tournaments, camps, and academies.
- Clear Pathway: Bhatia’s progression—national events to Asian opens to APP gold—offers juniors a transparent roadmap to professional success.
The Road Ahead
With consecutive APP titles, a world No. 13 ranking, and PPA aspirations in sight, Armaan Bhatia has become the standard-bearer for Asian pickleball. Expect the spotlight to follow him—and the region’s booming talent—to Kansas City and beyond.
