Pune: Team India took a great stride as the host comprising youngsters confirmed their play-off berth in the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 by securing second place at the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 tournament. The hosts progressed to the next round after registering a 2-1 win over Korea in their final game of the tournament at the Balewadi Tennis Complex on Saturday.
This is only the second time that India have qualified for the playoffs of the Billie Jean King Cup, previously known as Fed Cup. India had made it earlier in 2020. Along with India, New Zealand, who secured top spot in the tournament organized by MSLTA in association with ITF, AITA, and PMDTA also made the cut.
It was a dream debut at the Billie Jean King Cup for Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, as she maintained her unblemished record. Playing against 248-ranked, Sohyun Park, Shrivalli surrendered a hard-fought first set, before taking charge to make a comeback. The youngster from Hyderabad registered her fifth consecutive win, sealing the deal with a scoreline of 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) in 2 hours and 52 minutes.
Heading into the second singles match with a1-0 lead for India, Sahaja Yamalapalli took centre court to play against Dayeon Back. The Indian player showed resolve and determination despite suffering an early setback in both sets. Trailing 1-5 in the second set, Sahaja fought till the end but eventually fell short by a scoreline of 3-6, 4-6, in an hour and 45 minutes.
With all to play for and a playoff spot at stake, India’seasoned pair of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare stepped up when it mattered most, helping the team over the line against Sohyun Park and Dabin Kim. The Indian duo held their nerve, making sure they complement each other at the net and baseline, finding the right angles to help them secure a 6-4, 6-3 victory in an hour and 15 minutes.
The Suhana-sponsored Indian team,, will now move to the playoffs of the Billie Jean King Cup 2025, and will play alongside the best-performing teams from the 2025 Regional Group I events. The Play-offs will be contested as groups of three teams, with the group winners advancing to the 2026 Qualifiers.
The tournament was powered by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare (Maharashtra). Other partners for the tournament include Bisleri, Shiv-Naresh, Manipal Hospitals, Eco Factory Foundation and Dunlop.
Other Results:
Thailand 2-1 Chinese Taipei
Lanlana Tararudee (THA) bt Fang An Lin (TPE): 6-3, 6-3 (1h 19 mins)
Joanna Garland (TPE) bt Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA): 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 (2h 31 mins)
Patcharin Cheapchandej and Peangtarn Plipuech (THA) beat Yi Tsen Cho and Fang An Lin (TPE): 6-1, 6-2 (1h 1min)
New Zealand 1-2 Hong Kong, China
Man Ying Maggie Ng (HGK) bt Sasha Situe (NZL): 6-2, 6-3 (1hr 23 mins)
Aishi Das (NZL) bt Eudice Chong: 2-6, 6-0, 6-4 (1h 42 mins)
Hong Yi Cody Wong and Eudice Chong (HKG) bt Aishi Das and Monique Barry (NZL): 6-0, 6-2.
