Shrivalli, Ankita & Prarthana Script History as India Clinch Billie Jean King Cup Playoff Berth
Team India confirms its rise in world tennis, reaching Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020.
BNH NETWORK
Historic Triumph! India Qualifies for Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs for Only the Second Time
Pune - Team India created history on home soil on Saturday, securing a coveted place in the playoffs of the Billie Jean King Cup 2025. The Indian side confirmed its qualification after defeating Korea Republic 2-1 in a decisive Group 1 Asia-Oceania fixture at Pune’s Mahalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex.
This marks only the second time in history that India has advanced to the playoffs of this prestigious international team competition — the last time being in 2020.
The tie began on an electrifying note, as Hyderabad’s rising star Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, playing her debut Billie Jean King Cup campaign, demonstrated incredible grit. Facing the higher-ranked Sohyun Park, Shrivalli staged a spectacular comeback after dropping the opening set, clinching the match 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) after a tense 2-hour-52-minute battle. Her victory sealed her fifth consecutive singles win of the tournament.
Sahaja Yamalapalli, facing Dayeon Back in the second singles rubber, fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the Korean challenge, going down 3-6, 4-6 despite a brave rally in the second set.
With the tie levelled at 1-1, the onus fell on India’s experienced doubles pair — Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare. Displaying remarkable poise, the seasoned duo outplayed the Korean team of Sohyun Park and Dabin Kim, securing a straight-sets victory 6-4, 6-3 in just 75 minutes. Their win not only sealed the tie for India but also booked the team’s ticket to the playoffs.
India, along with table-toppers New Zealand, advanced from the Asia-Oceania Group 1 stage. The playoffs will feature the best teams from various regional groups, with the winners progressing to the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers.
The event, hosted by MSLTA in collaboration with the ITF, AITA, and PMDTA, was supported by the Sports Authority of India and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare, Maharashtra, alongside major partners like Suhana, Bisleri, Shiv-Naresh, Manipal Hospitals, and Dunlop.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Historic Feat: India qualifies for Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs for only the second time (after 2020).
- Rising Star: Shrivalli Bhamidipaty wins her 5th consecutive match, sealing a nail-biting three-setter.
- Decisive Doubles: Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare's flawless teamwork powers India to victory.
- Final Score: India defeated Korea Republic 2-1 in the Group 1 Asia-Oceania stage.
- Next Challenge: India heads to the Playoffs to battle the world’s best for a place in the 2026 Qualifiers.
