The stage is set at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium as India prepares for one of the most important weeks in its women’s tennis journey. For the first time in history, the country is hosting the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, and Group G featuring India, the Netherlands and Slovenia promises a decisive contest with a coveted spot in the 2026 World Group Qualifiers on the line.
India opens its campaign against Slovenia on Saturday before taking on the Netherlands on Sunday, with the group winner advancing to the next tier of the world’s premier women’s team tennis competition. With home advantage, a cohesive squad and renewed confidence, India believes it has the tools for a breakthrough moment.
Playing in front of home fans adds both opportunity and responsibility something captain Vishal Uppal acknowledges with pride.
“It is definitely an honour and very special for us to be playing the Billie Jean King Cup Playoff in Bengaluru,” Uppal said. “Indian women’s tennis is on the right path. Playing at home is a privilege and we’re very excited.”
India last competed together in April during the event in Pune. Since then, Uppal noted that the squad has stayed connected, following each other’s progress closely.
“It’s about becoming one cohesive unit and working towards a common goal. We know we’re up against two very quality teams. The focus is on our process, our effort and our attitude. The atmosphere in the team is great.”
Youngster Sahaja Yamalapalli, one of India’s fast-rising talents, echoed the sentiment, underlining the strength of the team environment something not always common in an individual sport like tennis.
“It’s great to have a team around us. We can fall back on each other and the camaraderie really helps. Bringing that team environment into tennis gives us a different perspective.”
Both Slovenia and the Netherlands reached Bengaluru early, aware that the city’s unique conditions slight altitude, high bounce and lively courts require adjustment time.
Slovenia (World No. 19): Settling in Early
Slovenian star Tamara Zidanšek said the team benefited from its early arrival.
“It’s a very different type of condition a little altitude, bouncy courts, high-bouncing balls. Having extra days to prepare has been great.”
Slovenia, known for gritty baseline play and strong doubles combinations, poses a stern challenge in the opening tie.
Netherlands (World No. 14): Confident but Cautious
The Netherlands, the highest-ranked team in the group, praised the organisation and atmosphere in Bengaluru. Captain Elise Tamaëla, speaking ahead of their opener against Slovenia, referenced their experience from last year.
“Every match is different. We have a lot of confidence from last year we know we can beat them. But in a country tie anything can happen. The most important thing is preparation, and we’ve prepared the team well.”
The Dutch bring a balanced squad, with strong singles options and one of the best doubles players in Demi Schuurs, making them formidable in the three-match tie structure.
Tournament Format & Schedule
Each tie consists of: Two singles rubbers & One doubles rubber
Only the group winner progresses to the 2026 World Group Qualifiers, while the other teams drop to regional groups.
Group G Match Schedule (3:00 PM IST start)
•14 November (Fri): Slovenia vs Netherlands
•15 November (Sat): India vs Slovenia
•16 November (Sun): India vs Netherlands
With three high-stakes afternoons ahead, the Bengaluru crowd is set to play a crucial role in India’s push for promotion.
Squads
India
- Sahaja Yamalapalli
- Shrivalli Bhamidipathy
- Ankita Raina
- Riya Bhatia
- Prarthana Thombare
Netherlands
- Suzan Lamens
- Arantxa Rus
- Anouk Koevermans
- Demi Schuurs
Slovenia
- Tamara Zidanšek
- Kaja Juvan
- Dalila Jakupovic
- Nika Radišic
Where to Watch
•Tickets: https://ticketgenie.in/ticket/Billie-Jean-King-Cup-Playoffs-2025
•Live Streaming: https://youtube.com/@prasarbharatisports?si=NZQkXVQwOu14cS9V
As all three teams settle into Bengaluru and finalise their preparations, anticipation builds for a tightly contested Group G. For India, this is not just a chance to advance it is an opportunity to affirm its growing presence in global women’s tennis in front of home fans.
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The next three days will decide whether that belief turns into a historic step forward.
