Aditya Ruhela’s Journey: From Tennis to Pickleball Supremacy and the Sport’s Rapid Ascend
Aditya Ruhela, a prominent figure in the world of Pickleball, has issued a warning to athletes from other racquet sports, cautioning them about the rising prominence of this rapidly growing sport. As a former tennis player who transitioned to Pickleball, Ruhela believes that the potential of Pickleball far surpasses what anyone could have imagined just a few years ago. With the introduction of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), a legitimate global ranking system, he sees the sport accelerating its growth and pushing other racquet sports aside. His message is clear: athletes from tennis, badminton, and other racquet sports should take note because Pickleball is becoming a significant contender in the sports world.
Aditya’s journey from tennis to becoming the top singles Pickleball player in India is one of determination and foresight. He recalls how challenging it was to make the switch when Pickleball was still a relatively unknown sport in India. Many people questioned his decision, especially since he was already excelling in tennis. However, Aditya Ruhela saw potential in Pickleball and believed that it would soon rise in popularity. He took what he refers to as the “first-mover advantage” and has since thrived in the sport. Today, he is enjoying the competitive nature of Pickleball and is playing at the highest levels, fulfilling the goals he once had for his tennis career.
One of Aditya’s most defining attributes is his baseline dominance and his powerful forehand. He credits his background in tennis for developing his footwork and shot placement, which has translated well into Pickleball. Aditya Ruhela moves swiftly along the baseline, giving himself extra time to read the ball and execute his shots with precision. His ability to see angles and anticipate his opponent’s moves allows him to control the game from the baseline. Over the years, this technique has become his signature style, making him a formidable presence on the court.
Despite winning more than 10 consecutive titles in the 2022-2023 season, Aditya remains hungry for more success. His ultimate goal is to become the number one Pickleball player in the world. While he is currently dominating in Asia, he acknowledges that the global stage is his next frontier. With the right team supporting him, Aditya is confident that he is on the right path to achieving his dream of world domination in the sport over the next few years.
One of the more exciting aspects of Aditya’s career has been his rivalry with Armaan Bhatia, another top player in India. Aditya speaks highly of Armaan, noting his great personality both on and off the court. The two have faced each other multiple times, and Aditya is already strategizing for their next meeting. With the score standing at 3-2 in favor of Aditya, he eagerly awaits the opportunity to further solidify his dominance in their competitive rivalry.
In recent years, Aditya Ruhela has witnessed a significant transformation in the Pickleball landscape in India. The sport, once lacking in equipment and infrastructure, has grown exponentially. There was a time when players had to import racquets and balls from the United States due to a lack of availability in India. Courts were scarce, and tournaments were few and far between. However, the sport’s increasing popularity has brought about changes. Today, equipment is readily available, and there are more courts and tournaments than ever before. The sport’s rapid growth has given Aditya hope that Pickleball will eventually surpass other racquet sports in India.
When Aditya Ruhela first began playing Pickleball, there were only a few tournaments, and prize money was almost non-existent. Players had to invest their own money just to participate in competitions. However, the situation has improved considerably. Tournaments now offer prize money, and the sport has developed a more robust structure, with multiple categories catering to different skill levels and age groups. The introduction of legitimate ranking systems has also provided players with a clear understanding of where they stand, both nationally and internationally.
Aditya is confident that Pickleball’s popularity will continue to rise, not just in India but globally. The sport’s growth rate in India has been astonishing, with a 159% increase compared to the previous year. What was once seen as a casual or leisure activity is now a highly competitive sport, with players training to reach the highest levels. Aditya firmly believes that Pickleball will eventually surpass sports like tennis, badminton, and even newer sports like padel.
One of the key drivers of this growth, according to Aditya Ruhela, is the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR). The introduction of this ranking system will provide players with a clear sense of where they stand on a global scale, motivating them to improve their skills. For Aditya, rankings are an essential tool for personal growth, and he believes that the PWR system will help players worldwide reach new heights. The involvement of the Times Group in this initiative further solidifies the legitimacy of the ranking system, giving players more opportunities to showcase their abilities.
As he looks forward to the PWR DUPR India Masters, Aditya Ruhela expresses his excitement for what promises to be one of the best Pickleball tournaments in the country. With the event taking place in his hometown of Delhi, he is eager to see how the tournament unfolds and how it will contribute to the sport’s growth in India and beyond. He believes that the PWR DUPR India Masters will set a new standard for Pickleball tournaments in Asia and could even rival the best tournaments worldwide.
The PWR DUPR Indian Tour, in particular, is something Aditya is keenly looking forward to. The tour will help players receive official ratings based on their performance, allowing them to track their progress and skill level. As players win or lose tournaments, their ratings will adjust accordingly, giving them a clear sense of where they stand and what they need to improve.
For beginners looking to get into Pickleball, Aditya Ruhela recommends starting with Franklin paddles, which he believes are among the best in the world. He also emphasizes the importance of choosing equipment that suits one’s skill level, as this can make a significant difference in performance.
As for his favorite shot, Aditya Ruhela’s baseline movement allows him to convert his backhand into a forehand, surprising his opponents with his inside-in shot. This technique has become one of his trademarks, catching opponents off guard and giving him the upper hand in many of his matches.