The Indian women’s tennis team suffered a frustrating start to their 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group I campaign, going down 1-2 to New Zealand in a tightly contested tie in Pune.
Despite a stunning singles debut by Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, India couldn’t capitalize, with defeats in the second singles and deciding doubles sealing the result in favour of the Kiwis.
This marks the second year in a row that India has lost to New Zealand in this group stage, a result that could prove costly with just two qualification spots up for grabs from a tough six-nation pool that includes Chinese Taipei, Korea, Thailand, and Hong Kong China.
Match 1: Shrivalli’s Dream Singles Debut
The day began on a high as Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, a two-time national champion, delivered a dominant performance in her first-ever Billie Jean King Cup singles match. Up against 17-year-old Aishi Das, Shrivalli was simply clinical, controlling the baseline rallies and exploiting her young opponent’s inexperience to cruise to a 6-1, 6-1 victory.
Though she had previously featured in two BJK Cup ties, Shrivalli had only played doubles before. This singles debut showcased her poise, patience, and point construction against a clearly overwhelmed opponent.
Her heavy groundstrokes and confident movement stood out as she gave India a 1-0 lead and the perfect platform.
Match 2: Lulu Sun Too Strong for Sahaja
India’s momentum, however, was quickly checked in the second rubber. Sahaja Yamalapalli, ranked India No. 2, faced a mammoth task against Lulu Sun, the world No. 45 and a 2024 Wimbledon quarterfinalist. Sun, who has been in excellent form on tour, proved to be far too consistent and aggressive for Sahaja.
Despite some positive moments early on, Sahaja struggled to hold serve under pressure, and Sun ran away with the match in straight sets, leveling the tie at 1-1.
This result wasn’t unexpected, given the gulf in rankings and experience, but India would have hoped for Sahaja to push Sun deeper into the match. Her lack of depth on returns and passive second serves allowed Sun to dictate throughout.
Match 3: Doubles Disappointment Again
The tie came down to the deciding doubles, where India fielded its most experienced pair: Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare. On paper, the Indian duo had the edge, especially in the absence of New Zealand’s top doubles player, Erin Routliffe (World No. 3 in doubles).
However, the Kiwi pair of Lulu Sun and Monique Barry played smart, aggressive tennis and used their left-right combination effectively. They took the opening set 6-3, with India struggling to convert break points.
The second set was tighter, and at 4-5, India saved three match points on serve, but an unfortunate error ended their hopes—Prarthana netting a routine volley at deuce that would have leveled the set. New Zealand clinched the set 6-4 and the tie 2-1.
“We had our chances, especially in the second set,” Ankita said post-match. “It’s heartbreaking, but we have to regroup quickly.”
India’s BJK Cup Struggles Continue
This loss echoes a familiar pattern for India in the Billie Jean King Cup. In 2024, they also lost 1-2 to New Zealand, with Rutuja Bhosale winning her singles match, but Ankita and Prarthana falling short in the other rubbers. That result ultimately cost India a spot in the playoffs, with Korea Republic advancing thanks to a superior match win-loss record.
This year, the stakes are just as high. With six teams—India, New Zealand, Korea, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong China—fighting for just two playoff spots, every match, and indeed every rubber, carries massive weight.
What’s Next for India?
India now faces the daunting task of winning all remaining ties, likely against Korea, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei, to stay alive in the race for the playoffs. The team will need to quickly bounce back from this setback and make tactical adjustments, especially in doubles, where results have repeatedly fallen short in crunch moments.
Final Scoreline:
Billie Jean King Cup 2025 – Asia/Oceania Group I
India 1 – 2 New Zealand
- Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (IND) def. Aishi Das (NZL) 6-1, 6-1
- Lulu Sun (NZL) def. Sahaja Yamalapalli (IND) 6-3, 6-2
- Sun/Barry (NZL) def. Raina/Thombare (IND) 6-3, 6-4
Takeaway
India’s campaign has started on a sour note, but the emergence of Shrivalli Bhamidipaty as a reliable singles option is a significant positive. With the team needing to take the hard route forward, unity, tactical flexibility, and mental resilience will be key in the coming ties.
