Q: How would you introduce yourself - on and off the court?

On the court, I'm a competitor who never backs down. I stay composed on the outside, but inside I have a strong drive that pushes me to fight for every single point. I love the challenge, the grind, and the feeling of earning every win. Off the court, I enjoy being around people, keeping things positive, and making sure everyone around me is having a good time. I also have a creative side — I enjoy acting and writing, which gives me a completely different way to express myself.

Q: How did you first get into pickleball - and what made you take it seriously?

I found pickleball completely by accident. I was walking through a park one day and kept hearing a sound that didn't quite match a tennis ball. I got curious, followed it, and found a group of people playing on smaller courts with paddles I'd never seen before. I walked up and asked what they were playing — it was pickleball. One player was practicing alone and invited me to hit with him. We played for about an hour, and at the end he told me, "You can be really good at this." I never saw him again, but that moment stuck with me. Once I entered my first tournament and felt that same competitive fire from my tennis days, I was fully committed.

"All it takes is being 1% better than you were yesterday."

- Atif Sheikh, OSAKA pickleball athlete

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration, and why?

I have two. Both have shaped how I think about competition, resilience, and staying focused on my own path.

Rafael Nadal once said, “The only way of finding a solution is to fight back, to move, to run, and to control that pressure.” That mindset has always resonated with me — staying composed under pressure and continuing to push forward no matter the challenge.

Shah Rukh Khan has a different perspective that I also connect with: “I have no competition. I am a horse with blinders on.” To me, that represents the importance of staying focused on your own lane, blocking out distractions, and committing fully to your craft.

Q: How would you describe your playing style:

Very aggressive. I like to get to the net as quickly as possible and take time away from my opponent, putting them under constant pressure. Anticipation is equally central to my game — I read what my opponent is about to do and counter it early, so I can take control of the point from the very first shot. The combination of speed and foresight is what drives my results.

Q: What do people underestimate about pickleball?

Two things: skill development and footwork. From the outside, pickleball can look deceptively simple — but competing at a high level demands precision, consistency, and decision-making that only comes from serious, deliberate training. And footwork is massively underrated. At the top level, being in the right position for every single shot is critical. Good footwork is what lets you stay balanced, react quickly, and execute under pressure. Without it, even great technique breaks down.

"Good footwork is what allows players to stay balanced, react quickly, and execute under pressure."

- Atif Sheikh on what separates high-level pickleball

Q: What makes you unique on the court?

My anticipation and speed. I can read where my opponent is going to hit the ball early, which helps me get into position before they've even made contact. That keeps me one step ahead throughout entire rallies and makes my game very difficult to play against. People also tell me my game looks effortless — and I think that comes from being efficient with my movement and staying balanced through every shot. There's no wasted energy.

Q: Do you have any pre-match rituals or routines?

Before every match, I take five minutes to meditate and calm my nerves. During that time I visualize different scenarios that might come up in the game and see myself handling each one successfully. It grounds me, sharpens my focus, and makes sure I step onto the court feeling prepared — not just physically, but mentally ready for anything.

"I visualize different situations that might come up and see myself handling them successfully."

-Atif Sheikh on his pre-match meditation routine

Q: What does being part of the Osaka family mean to you?

It means everything. Representing a brand that's truly dedicated to athletes is extremely important to me. It motivates me to keep growing as a player and gives me another reason to work hard — to make the people supporting me proud. The gear is also some of the best I've ever worn. Being comfortable and looking stylish both on and off the court is the perfect complement to my game.