The Indian women’s tennis team has qualified for the Asia-Oceania Billie Jean King Cup playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 season.
The triumph came following an intense match against South Korea at the Balewadi Stadium on Saturday. India achieved a 2-1 victory, securing their spot alongside New Zealand, with both teams registering four wins each in the six-team competition.
Key highlights include Shrivalli Bhamidipaty’s extraordinary singles performance, as she came from the brink of defeat to defeat Korea’s Sohyun Park in a grueling three-hour marathon. Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare then sealed India’s win with a stunning doubles performance, showcasing remarkable teamwork.
Captain Vishal Uppal’s strategic decision to rest Ankita for the doubles and field Shrivalli for singles paid off, adding to the team’s monumental success. Shrivalli emerged as a tournament star, securing five consecutive victories against high-ranking opponents, a testament to her growing prowess on the professional circuit.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Indian tennis, sparking hope and excitement for future competitions.
