The Indian women’s tennis team is gearing up for what could be a career‑shaping set of matches in Bengaluru.
The Billie Jean King Cup Play‑off at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium will pit India against Slovenia on Saturday and the Netherlands on Sunday, with the Group G winner moving on to the World Group qualifiers.
India’s plans
Placed in Group G, the team embraces the home advantage and the support of local fans. Captain Vishal Uppal says the players have stayed connected since their April training in Pune and are now a tight unit ready for the challenge. “We’re focusing on our process and attitude,” he added. “The atmosphere in the team is great, and we’re ready to give it our all.”
Young star Sahaja Yamalapalli echoes the vibe: “Having the team around us is powerful. We can fall back on each other and bring fresh perspective to tennis.” The squad—Sahaja, Shrivalli Bhamidipathy, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia and Prarthana Thombare—will try to make history by hosting the Play‑off for the first time.
Opponents on the block
Slovenia’s team, ranked 19th, arrives early to acclimate to the slightly higher altitude. Captain Tamara Zidanšek says the bouncy court and high‑jumping balls are perfect for preparation.
Netherlands, the highest‑ranked team in the group, praises Bengaluru’s organization. Captain Elise Tamaëla believes the Dutch players can upset higher‑ranked opponents and stresses the importance of readiness: “Everything’s open. We’ve prepared well, and we’re confident.”
Schedule
The action unfolds over three afternoons:
- Friday, 14 Nov – Slovenia vs. Netherlands
- Saturday, 15 Nov – India vs. Slovenia
- Sunday, 16 Nov – India vs. Netherlands
Each tie begins at 3:00 PM IST, offering top‑tier tennis for fans and the chance for the Indian team to shine on home soil.
Teams
- India: Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipathy, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia, Prarthana Thombare
- Netherlands: Suzan Lamens, Arantxa Rus, Anouk Koevermans, Demi Schuurs
- Slovenia: Tamara Zidanseb, Kaja Juvan, Dalila Jakupovic, Nika Radisic
With preparations in full swing, all three squads have settled in Bengaluru’s hard courts. Fans can expect an exciting weekend of Billie Jean King Cup tennis as India looks for a breakthrough moment in its sporting history.
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