Billie Jean King Cup 2025: Shrivalli, experienced duo Ankita Raina-Prarthana Thombare, lead India to first win

PUNE: The Indian team opened their account against Thailand, securing a 2-1 victory in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1, at the Mahalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex in Pune, according to a release from Billie Jean King Cup.

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty set the tone for the hosts with an emphatic win before the experienced duo of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare helped India get off the mark in the tournament taking place at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex in Pune.

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty picked up where she left off on day one, delivering another commanding performance against Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee. Playing only her second game in Indian colours, she brushed aside her opponent in an hour and 15 minutes, displaying an array of strokes to win 6-2, 6-4, giving India a 1-0 lead in the tie against Thailand.

New Zealand stays unbeaten at the top, bringing consistency to the court.
India , Korea & Thailand are locked in a fierce battle for the top 2 spots — it’s getting real!
Chinese Taipei is looking for a comeback, while Hong Kong is riding high after a crucial W pic.twitter.com/rvqEHRSdgL

— MSLTA (@msltatennis) April 10, 2025

The second game of the day saw Sahaja Yamalapalli take on Mananchaya Sawangkaew, in what proved to be a nail-biting contest. The two players went toe-to-toe, putting some exceptional tennis on display. Mananchaya sealed a comeback win to seal the first set 6-3, before Sahaja showed immense grit and determination, fighting back to take the second set 7-6 [7-3]. While trailing 0-1 in the final set, the young Indian star, unfortunately, had to retire hurt, closing the curtains on a thrilling encounter after 2 hours and 23 minutes and leveling the tie between the two countries at 1-1.

With all to play for in the doubles game, the experienced Indian duo of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare got the better of Peangtarn Plipuech and Patcharin Cheapchandej from Thailand. The Indians bagged the first set before faltering in the second. However, they came in clutch with a resounding performance in the tie-break, sealing a victory in the super tie-break, with a scoreline of 7-6, 3-6, 10-3 in an hour and 55 minutes.

The Indian team, sponsored by Suhana, will take on the Korea Republic in their third match of the Billie Jean King Cup on Thursday. The tournament is powered by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare (Maharashtra). (ANI)