Equipped: The Indian workforce will hope to make it a memorable outing.
| Photograph Credit score: Ok. MURALI KUMAR
India took an enormous leap within the 2020-21 Billie Jean King Cup, when it made a maiden sojourn to the playoff spherical. Latvia, led by Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko and top-50 participant Anastasija Sevastova, put an finish to the dream run.
India now has one other likelihood to interrupt new floor, with the newest version of the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs commencing on the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium right here on Friday.
The Indians – doubtless represented in singles by Sahaja Yamalapalli (World No. 309) and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (World No. 381) – have a mountain to climb if they’re to high the group and advance to the subsequent stage.
Two highly effective rivals, Slovenia and Netherlands, stand in the best way. Slovenia counts on 2021 French Open semifinalist Tamara Zidansek and Kaja Juvan (World No. 98), whereas Netherlands seems to be to Suzan Lamens (World No. 87) and the skilled Arantxa Rus (a former top-50 participant) to get the job finished.
The Indians, nevertheless, have had a number of large scalps in current instances. Solely final month, Sahaja upset 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens in straight units on the WTA 125K Abierto Tampico in Mexico. Shrivalli, in the meantime, persistently outplayed higher-ranked opponents enroute to 5 straight wins within the earlier spherical of the Billie Jean King Cup.
Ankita Raina, more likely to be tasked with doubles obligation alongside Prarthana Thombare, isn’t one to again down from a battle.
“My greatest outcomes have come when I’ve performed for the nation. It’s a fully totally different feeling. Everyone seems to be equal on the court docket,” Ankita mentioned right here on Thursday.
Staff captain Vishal Uppal appealed to the followers to supply a elevate in spirit.
“We’d like the Bengaluru crowd to return out and help us, and maybe get beneath the pores and skin of the opponents. That’s what makes workforce competitions enjoyable. I’ve skilled this after I performed within the Davis Cup,” Uppal mentioned.
Netherlands takes on Slovenia on Friday, whereas India shall be seen in motion over the weekend.
Printed – November 13, 2025 07:26 pm IST
