Team India has secured its place in the World Group Playoffs of the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup after registering a nerve-wracking 2-1 win over Korea in the final Group I tie of the Asia/Oceania zone, held at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune.
The win marks India’s fourth consecutive victory, completing a brilliant run in the round-robin stage and tying them with New Zealand at the top of the table—both nations now moving ahead to the next phase.
Let’s break down how the drama unfolded on the final day of group action.
Match 1: Shrivalli the Warrior – A Battle of Nerves
India’s campaign has been carried on the back of the red-hot form of Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, and the young star rose to the occasion once again. Facing Sohyun Park, Shrivalli was pushed to the edge in a match that tested her stamina, mentality, and belief.
After dropping the first set 5-7, she recalibrated her game, using her backhand slice and aggressive net play to take the second set 6-3. What followed was a breathtaking final set, filled with long rallies, tight service holds, and incredible tension.
Shrivalli saved multiple match points in the super tiebreak before sealing it 7-6(7) to give India the early lead.
It was a performance of grit, marking her fourth singles win in as many ties, and underlining her emergence as a key player for India on the international stage.
Match 2: Korea Strikes Back Through Dayeon Back
With their backs to the wall, Korea’s Dayeon Back came out firing against Sahaja Yamalapalli. The Indian was solid in her previous outings but struggled to handle Back’s depth and angles in this clash. Dayeon was clinical on serve and took the ball early to control the tempo.
Sahaja fought hard but couldn’t find the rhythm to break her opponent’s momentum. The Korean claimed the second singles 6-3, 6-4, leveling the tie and pushing it into a deciding doubles showdown.
Match 3: The Veterans Deliver the Knockout Punch
Cometh the hour, cometh the veterans. Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare, with years of Billie Jean King Cup experience between them, delivered under pressure. They faced Korea’s Jihee Choi and Sohyun Park in a match where execution and team chemistry made the difference.
Using intelligent poaching, strategic lobs, and quick net exchanges, the Indian duo stayed in control from the outset. Raina’s consistency from the baseline complemented Prarthana’s sharp hands at the net, and they closed out the match 6-4, 6-3, sparking celebrations in the Indian camp.
New Zealand Also Qualifies Despite Loss to Hong Kong
In a parallel contest, Hong Kong, China stunned New Zealand 2-1, but the result did little to affect New Zealand’s playoff fate thanks to their earlier wins. Man Ying Maggie Ng led the charge for Hong Kong with a dominant straight-sets win over Sasha Situe, but New Zealand hit back as Aishi Das mounted a comeback to win 2-6, 6-0, 6-4.
The doubles went Hong Kong’s way, but New Zealand’s superior match record (4-1, same as India) ensured they joined India in advancing.
Thailand Ends on a High
Meanwhile, Thailand wrapped up their campaign with a professional 2-1 win over Chinese Taipei. Lanlana Tararudee impressed again with a straight-sets win in the opening singles. Though Joanna Garland staged a comeback win to level the tie, the Thai doubles pair Patcharin Cheapchandej and Peangtarn Plipuech demolished their opponents 6-1, 6-2 to seal a winning finish.
Final Group Standings:
India, New Zealand, and Thailand all finished with 4 wins, but match difference separated the top two. India and New Zealand led with 9 match wins out of 15, edging Thailand and claiming the coveted World Group Playoff spots.
What Lies Ahead
This qualification is a landmark moment for Indian women’s tennis. The Billie Jean King Cup World Group Playoffs will be a major step up, featuring elite-level teams from across the globe. But with Shrivalli’s rise, Sahaja’s composure, and the reliable Raina-Thombare duo, India now has a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level.
From Shrivalli’s heroic tiebreak to the veterans’ cool finish, India’s campaign was a perfect blend of youthful fire and seasoned poise. The tricolor will now fly on a bigger stage, and Indian tennis fans have every reason to dream big.
