Indian tennis stands on the verge of a historic milestone as the country prepares to host the Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs for the very first time, set to be held from 14–16 November 2025 at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium, Bengaluru.
The event marks a defining moment for Indian women’s tennis, offering the national side a chance to advance to the prestigious 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, and placing the spotlight firmly on a team ready to compete with the world’s best. Having earned their Play-Off spot after finishing second in the Asia-Oceania Group I earlier this year, Team India now faces a formidable challenge a tie against the Netherlands and Slovenia, nations with a rich tennis pedigree and strong depth across singles and doubles.
Yet, the mood in the Indian camp is one of optimism, preparation, and quiet confidence guided by the steady hand of Coach Radhika Kanitkar.
A Full-Circle Moment for Radhika Kanitkar
Few moments in Indian tennis have been as personally fulfilling as this one for Radhika Kanitkar a former professional player and now, one of the key architects behind the resurgence of Indian women’s tennis. With six ITF singles and six ITF doubles titles to her name, Kanitkar knows what it takes to win at the international level. But as she enters her fourth year as India’s Billie Jean King Cup coach, the Bengaluru tie represents more than just another challenge it’s an emotional culmination of years of hard work and belief.
“When we qualified in Pune, it was incredibly special for me because I was born and raised there,” Radhika recalled with a smile. “But to now host a Billie Jean King Cup Play-Off in India, and to do so in Bengaluru, is truly the opportunity of a lifetime for me, for the players, and for Indian tennis as a whole. This is a moment we will always cherish.”
For Radhika, fan support will be the x-factor once again. She fondly remembered the electric atmosphere during India’s home tie in Pune last season an experience that left a lasting impression on both players and fans alike.
“That match was played over a weekend and the stadium was full the noise, the chants, the national flags waving it gave the girls an unbelievable boost,” she said. “I have no doubt that Bengaluru, with its incredible tennis culture, will come alive even more. The passion for the sport here is special, and we know that fans will rally behind the team in full force.”
With Bengaluru having hosted major ATP, WTA, and Davis Cup events in recent years, the city has developed a reputation as one of India’s most vibrant tennis hubs and the atmosphere at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium is expected to reflect that legacy.
Building Unity and Preparation: The Bengaluru Training Camp
Radhika and India’s team captain Vishal Uppal have crafted an extended pre-tournament training camp in Bengaluru, designed to help players adapt to local conditions while also strengthening team cohesion. “Tennis is, by nature, an individual sport,” Radhika explained. “But the Billie Jean King Cup is different it’s about unity, teamwork, and shared purpose. This camp isn’t just about hitting balls or fitness sessions; it’s about coming together as one, creating the mindset of Team India. The girls did that beautifully in Pune, and here in Bengaluru, we’re looking to take that bond a step further.”
She also emphasized that the training sessions will simulate match-day pressure situations from handling crowd energy to adapting to surface speed and doubles combinations ensuring the team enters the tie fully prepared, both technically and mentally.
The Indian squad heading into the Play-Offs showcases the perfect blend of experience and youth. Leading the charge will be Ankita Raina, India’s most experienced Billie Jean King Cup player, whose tenacity and court craft have made her the backbone of the national team for years. Alongside her are exciting talents like Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Sahaja Yamalapalli, and Riya Bhatia, all of whom have shown remarkable progress on the ITF circuit this season. “This mix of experience and youth is one of our greatest strengths,” said Radhika. “Ankita brings leadership and stability, while the younger girls bring energy and fresh ideas.
Many of them are strong in both singles and doubles, which gives us tactical flexibility and keeps our opponents guessing. Earlier, our line-ups were predictable now, we have options, and that’s a huge advantage.”
Radhika also praised the players’ growing professionalism and fitness levels. “What’s encouraging is how the next generation has embraced the physical demands of the sport. They are faster, stronger, and mentally tougher. That transformation is what’s driving India forward in women’s tennis.”
The Sania Mirza Legacy: Inspiration and Change
No conversation about Indian women’s tennis is complete without mentioning Sania Mirza, and Radhika was quick to acknowledge her impact. “Sania changed everything,” she said. “She showed young Indian girls that it was possible to dream big, to have a career in tennis, to win on the global stage. The confidence she gave this generation is immense. Today’s players have built on that they are fearless, they go after big points, and they compete believing they belong among the best.” She added that Sania’s influence continues to inspire not only the current Billie Jean King Cup team but also the growing wave of juniors coming through India’s national system.
“We are seeing girls from smaller cities picking up rackets, inspired by Sania, Ankita, and this entire generation. It’s a wonderful time for Indian women’s tennis.”
The Billie Jean King Cup, named after one of tennis’ greatest pioneers, remains the world’s largest annual international team competition in women’s sport, with participation from over 130 nations. Often called the “women’s equivalent of the Davis Cup”, it represents the ultimate honour in team tennis competing for one’s country. “For every young girl who dreams of tennis, representing India in the Billie Jean King Cup is the ultimate goal,” Radhika reflected.
“For our players, this will be one of the most important weeks of their lives a chance to make history and inspire millions. We are determined to give our absolute best, to play with pride, passion, and unity.”
As the countdown begins, the anticipation in Bengaluru is building rapidly. The S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium is being prepared to host three days of world-class tennis, with state-of-the-art facilities and an enthusiastic crowd expected to fill the stands. For Indian tennis, this event represents more than a Play-Off it’s an affirmation of progress, resilience, and ambition. Under Radhika Kanitkar’s leadership and Vishal Uppal’s tactical guidance, Team India will step onto the court not just to compete, but to make a statement.
“We are ready,” Radhika said, with quiet determination. “The girls believe in themselves, they believe in each other, and they believe in India. That’s what matters most.”
Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs Bengaluru 2025
📍 Venue: S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium, Bengaluru
📅 Dates: 14–16 November 2025
Team India: Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Riya Bhatia
Coach: Radhika Kanitkar
Captain: Vishal Uppal
Schedule:
- 14 November (Friday): Opening Ceremony & Singles Matches – India vs Netherlands
- 15 November (Saturday): Reverse Singles & Doubles – India vs Netherlands
- 16 November (Sunday): Singles & Doubles – India vs Slovenia
With India hosting its first-ever Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs, Bengaluru is set to become the heartbeat of women’s tennis this November where history, hope, and hard work converge on one unforgettable weekend.
