India enters Billie Jean King Cup playoffs

Pune

India’s women’s tennis team made history by securing a playoff spot in the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup. They defeated Korea Republic 2-1 in their final Asia-Oceania Group 1 match at Pune’s Mahalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex on late Saturday.

This is only the second time India has reached the playoffs, the first being in 2020. Alongside India, New Zealand also advanced from the tournament hosted by MSLTA in collaboration with ITF, AITA, and PMDTA.

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty was the star of the show, winning her fifth straight match. After losing the first set to world No. 248 Sohyun Park, she fought back for a 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) victory in nearly three hours.

India led 1-0 before Sahaja Yamalapalli faced Dayeon Back in the second singles match. Despite her effort, Sahaja lost 3-6, 4-6, leveling the tie.

With the outcome riding on the doubles, India’s experienced pair Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare delivered a strong performance. They beat Sohyun Park and Dabin Kim 6-4, 6-3 in just over an hour.

Sponsored by Suhana and supported by SAI and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare (Maharashtra), the Indian team now moves to the 2025 Playoffs. These will include top teams from other regions, with winners advancing to the 2026 Qualifiers.

It was a proud moment for Indian tennis, with Shrivalli, Ankita, and Prarthana stepping up at crucial moments to seal their spot among the best teams in the world.