Indian Women Storm Into Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs After Thrilling Victory
Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare delivered under pressure when it mattered the most, clinching the decisive doubles rubber to seal a memorable 2-1 victory for India over South Korea and secure a spot in the World Group Playoffs of the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup women’s team tennis competition on Saturday.
Having endured narrow losses in three of their previous four ties, the experienced Indian duo rose to the occasion with composure and confidence, defeating the South Korean pair of Sohyun Park and Dabin Kim in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. Their dominant performance in the final round-robin clash at the Mhalunge-Balewadi Tennis Complex not only sealed the win for India but also demonstrated the team’s growing strength and resilience in high-stakes matches.
The victory ensured India finished second in their group standings, just behind New Zealand, who had already secured the top position in the six-team competition on Friday. With this result, both New Zealand and India advance to the World Group Playoff stage, scheduled to take place in November, where they will compete for a coveted spot in the elite tier of the tournament.
Earlier in the day, rising star Shrivalli Rashmikaa gave India a strong start with a gutsy performance in the opening singles. In a marathon match lasting 2 hours and 52 minutes, she battled from a set down to overcome Park in a gripping contest, eventually prevailing 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (5). However, Korea responded swiftly, as Dayeon Back leveled the tie with a clinical 6-3, 6-4 win over Sahaja Yamalapalli in the second singles rubber.
With the tie balanced at 1-1, all eyes turned to the decisive doubles match, where the seasoned campaigners Ankita and Prarthana brought their A-game to secure India’s place in the next round.
This marks only the second time in history that the Indian women’s team has reached the World Group Playoffs, the first being in 2020, also under the leadership of captain Vishaal Uppal. Their return to the playoff stage signifies not only progress in Indian women’s tennis but also the growing depth and determination within the team.
Meanwhile, Korea and Thailand — who beat Chinese Taipei 2-1 in their final tie — will remain in the current group tier. Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong, on the other hand, will head into the relegation playoffs.
India’s spirited campaign, capped off by this clutch win against South Korea, is a testament to the team’s resilience and growing presence on the global tennis stage.
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