The spotlight is back on Indian women’s tennis. From November 14 to 16, the KSLTA Stadium in Bengaluru will host the Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs, where India, Slovenia, and the Netherlands battle it out for one coveted spot in the 2026 Qualifiers.
For India, it’s a rare opportunity only the second time in history that the national team has reached this stage. But the challenge couldn’t be steeper. Two formidable European teams stand in their way, both fielding higher-ranked and more experienced players. The action begins Friday, November 14, with the Netherlands taking on Slovenia. India’s campaign opens a day later, against Slovenia, before closing on Sunday with what could be the decider India vs the Netherlands.
All ties start at 3 PM IST, with tickets available from ₹200 on Ticketgenie.
India’s five-member team combines youthful energy with tour-hardened experience.
Leading the charge is Sahaja Yamalapalli (World No. 310), who has quietly built momentum on the ITF circuit this season. The 23-year-old from Hyderabad is known for her tenacity and counterpunching, and she’ll carry the nation’s hopes in singles.
Backing her is Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (World No. 383) one of the most improved players in the country. Shrivalli’s recent performances in ITF events have shown she’s capable of taking on top-200 opponents, and she’ll likely play the second singles slot. Veteran Ankita Raina (World No. 476), India’s most experienced Billie Jean King Cup player, brings invaluable composure to the squad. Raina, a two-time Asian Games medallist, has long been the bridge between India’s past and future in women’s tennis.
Riya Bhatia (Singles #466, Doubles #183) provides tactical depth, able to switch between singles and doubles roles. And completing the team is Prarthana Thombare (Doubles #142) India’s most accomplished doubles specialist, who has partnered Sania Mirza in the past and knows what it takes to win under pressure.
This blend of youth and experience gives India flexibility, but to overcome Slovenia or the Netherlands, they’ll need more than spirit they’ll need their best tennis.
Slovenia: Star Power at the Top
Slovenia arrives in Bengaluru with two players who have already made a mark on the WTA Tour.
At the forefront is Kaja Juvan (World No. 97), a calm and polished baseliner who has beaten top-20 players on her day. The 24-year-old has the tools and temperament to dominate singles rubbers. Her teammate Tamara Zidanšek (World No. 164) brings even more pedigree a former French Open semifinalist and world No. 22 at her peak. Zidanšek’s heavy topspin and clay-court instincts might not be naturally suited to Indian hard courts, but her experience makes her a dangerous opponent regardless.
Dalila Jakupović (Singles #308, Doubles #115) and Nika Radišić (Doubles #118) round out the squad, giving Slovenia strong doubles options. With both Juvan and Zidanšek likely to feature in singles and possibly doubles, Slovenia looks well-positioned to contend for top honours in Bengaluru.
The Netherlands: Balanced and Battle-Tested
If Slovenia has individual star power, the Netherlands counters with balance and depth. Their lineup is the highest-ranked across the board, featuring players who’ve been consistent on the WTA circuit. Suzan Lamens (World No. 85) is their top singles player and a rising name on tour, known for her aggressive game and athleticism. Supporting her is Arantxa Rus (World No. 140), a seasoned left-hander who’s been a fixture in Dutch tennis for over a decade. Rus has over 25 ITF titles and a reputation for grinding out long matches.
The doubles lineup, though, is where the Dutch have a serious advantage. Demi Schuurs (World No. 21, Career High No. 7) is one of the premier doubles specialists in the world, with multiple WTA 1000 titles to her name. Alongside Anouk Koevermans (Singles #207), the Netherlands possess both experience and cohesion the kind that often decides tight team contests.
India’s Moment and Motivation
For India, the Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs are more than a competition; they’re a statement of progress. From producing trailblazers like Sania Mirza and Ankita Raina to seeing new names like Sahaja and Shrivalli emerge, women’s tennis in India has quietly been rebuilding its base. Playing at home could be a huge advantage. The Bengaluru crowd has traditionally turned up in numbers for Indian tennis, creating an atmosphere that lifts local players. On slower hard courts, Indian players may find rhythm against opponents more used to European conditions.
Still, the task is immense. Both Slovenia and the Netherlands boast top-100 players, and the margins in these team formats are razor-thin. India’s best chance may lie in splitting the singles rubbers and banking on their doubles strength a department where Thombare and Raina’s chemistry could be crucial.
Regardless of results, this weekend marks another milestone for Indian women’s tennis. Competing at this level, against established nations, helps the younger generation understand what it takes to close the gap with the world’s best. For a country still building its tennis ecosystem, the Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs in Bengaluru aren’t just about survival they’re about belief.
Come November 14, as tricolours wave under the KSLTA floodlights, India will look not just to win matches, but to prove that they belong on this stage now and in the years to come.
