The Indian women’s tennis team is entering a crucial phase as it prepares to take on the Netherlands and Slovenia in the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, scheduled from 14 to 16 November at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru.
With a Play-off spot earned through a spirited run earlier this year, the squad arrives with momentum, clarity of purpose and strong belief qualities that non-playing captain Vishal Uppal considers essential as India chases another historic result. Uppal, who has led the team through several high-pressure campaigns, is under no illusion about the challenge ahead. Both the Netherlands and Slovenia come armed with depth, top-100 experience and a seasoned understanding of team competitions. But for Uppal, respect does not equate to fear.
“We are playing two very strong teams, the Netherlands and Slovenia. We know it’s going to be tough, but the pressure has to be embraced,” he said. “We have a lot of respect for them, but we do not fear them. If we execute our plans better than they do, we can win. It comes down to who plays with greater hunger and desire. We proved it in Pune, and I believe we can do it again. With the Bengaluru crowd behind us, we want to give the fans every reason to cheer.”
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India’s return to the Play-offs is built on the team’s standout performance at the Asia-Oceania Group I event in Pune, where the side upset higher-ranked Hong Kong (China) and Korea. The campaign showcased India’s ability to punch above its weight—something Uppal attributes to team culture more than individual brilliance.
“The biggest values we focus on are passion, discipline and teamwork,” he said. “There is no ‘I’ in this team, only ‘we’. As an individual you can achieve a lot, but together you can achieve much more. That’s exactly what we showed in Pune. We worked as one unit and that bond will carry us forward.”
Preparation in Bengaluru
The Indian team assembled in Bengaluru on 4 November for a 10-day preparation camp. With players competing regularly on the professional circuit, Uppal believes the timing of the camp is ideal to bring sharpness and tactical clarity ahead of back-to-back ties.
“The girls have been competing well on tour and keeping sharp. Our goal now is to focus on our process and be mentally prepared to make life tough for our higher-ranked opponents. We have to be ambitious and make India proud with our effort and energy,” he said.
Uppal has been closely monitoring the form of all squad members, ensuring each player is physically primed and mentally tuned for the high-intensity demands of the Cup format. The familiarity of home conditions, he believes, will add an extra layer of confidence.
A former Asian Games bronze medallist and one of India’s most experienced tennis professionals, Uppal transitioned into leadership roles with a deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with representing India. His connection with the national team dates back to 2020, when he first captained India to its maiden Play-off appearance in Billie Jean King Cup history.
“To captain the Indian team is a huge honour,” Uppal said. “Playing for India was always the ultimate goal in my career, and to now lead the team as we host the Play-offs for the very first time is truly special. Representing our great nation comes with pride, discipline and responsibility, and that is the passion I want my players to feel every time they step on court.”
Inspiring the next generation
Beyond results, Uppal hopes this event will have a lasting impact on women’s tennis in India. The Cup, which brings world-class international tennis to Bengaluru, provides young players a rare opportunity to watch high-quality match play at close quarters.
“My hope is that every young Indian woman tennis player who watches these matches dreams of one day playing the Billie Jean King Cup for India,” he said. “Women’s tennis in this country has tremendous talent, and we want to leave behind a legacy of opportunity where more girls can develop their skills and proudly wear the India jersey.”
With strong preparation, a united squad and a vocal home crowd expected in Bengaluru, India’s Billie Jean King Cup team approaches the Play-offs with optimism and self-belief.
Tickets for the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs 2025 are available at TicketGenie.
