Shrivalli, Ankita, and Prarthana Script History as India Qualifies for Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Playoffs

Shrivalli, Ankita, and Prarthana Script History as India Qualifies for Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Playoffs

 

Pune : Team India etched a historic chapter in Indian tennis by sealing a place in the playoffs of the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 after a gritty 2-1 win over Korea Republic in their final Asia-Oceania Group 1 tie at the Mahalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex in Pune. This marks only the second time India has advanced to the playoffs, the first being in 2020.

 

Organized by MSLTA in association with ITF, AITA, and PMDTA, the tournament saw India finish second in the group, behind New Zealand, earning a well-deserved spot in the next stage of the prestigious global competition.

 

Leading the charge was debutant Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, who showcased nerves of steel and immense maturity. The 304-ranked Hyderabadi fought back from a set down against Korea’s Sohyun Park (ranked 248) to clinch her fifth consecutive singles win with a thrilling 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) result in 2 hours and 52 minutes.

 

Although Sahaja Yamalapalli battled hard in the second singles rubber, she went down 3-6, 4-6 to Dayeon Back, setting up a decisive doubles clash.

With the tie on the line, India’s veteran pairing of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare delivered under pressure. The duo combined perfectly to outplay Sohyun Park and Dabin Kim 6-4, 6-3 in just 75 minutes, sealing India’s playoff berth.

 

Sponsored by Suhana and supported by SAI and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare (Maharashtra), the Indian team will now compete against other top regional teams in the 2025 Playoffs.