Bengaluru, Oct 25 (NationPress) Leading Indian player Ankita Raina, along with promising talents Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Sahaja Yamalapalli, and Riya Bhatia, are set to chase victory as India prepares to make history by hosting the Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs for the very first time at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru from November 14 to 16, 2025.

Head coach Radhika Kanitkar expresses her confidence that her players will excel and lead the nation to further success in this prestigious event.

This event signifies a pivotal moment for Indian tennis and presents the national team with a golden chance to qualify for the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers. India secured its spot in the Play-Offs after finishing as runners-up in the Asia-Oceania Group I earlier this April. They are set to face tough opponents from the Netherlands and Slovenia as they aim to make a significant impact on the global stage.

As the driving force behind India’s campaign, Radhika Kanitkar is eager to capitalize on this opportunity. A former professional player with six ITF singles titles and six ITF doubles titles, Radhika is in her fourth year coaching the Billie Jean King Cup (previously known as the Fed Cup).

“Qualifying in Pune was particularly special for me, as I was born and raised there. Hosting a Play-Off tie in India is a remarkable opportunity. This is a moment that we will treasure, not only for me and the players but for Indian tennis as a whole,” Radhika stated.

She emphasized the significance of fan support, recalling the enthusiasm during the Pune tie: “That match took place on a weekend, and the stadium was packed. The energy and support truly uplifted the girls and made a huge difference. We are optimistic that Bengaluru, known for its rich tennis culture, will support the team in even larger numbers.”

Radhika has collaborated closely with team captain Vishal Uppal to organize an extensive training camp in Bengaluru. “While tennis is an individual sport, the Billie Jean King Cup is all about unity and teamwork. This camp is designed not just for acclimatization but also for fostering camaraderie and building a collaborative mindset among Team India. The girls performed excellently in Pune, and we aim to elevate that here in Bengaluru,” she explained.

India’s squad showcases a robust mix of experience and youth, spearheaded by Ankita, one of the nation’s most reliable players, accompanied by emerging talents like Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Sahaja Yamalapalli, and Riya Bhatia.

“This combination of experience and youth is one of our greatest assets,” Radhika remarked. “Many of the girls excel in both singles and doubles, offering us versatility and keeping our opponents on their toes. Previously, our line-ups were predictable, but now we have a variety of options, which is a significant advantage.”

Reflecting on the advancement of Indian women’s tennis, Radhika credited Sania Mirza for inspiring the current generation. “Sania demonstrated to young girls that they can aspire to have a career in professional tennis. Today’s players are fitter and stronger, competing with a fearless attitude. This mindset, prevalent in Indian sports, has now permeated women’s tennis as well,” she noted.

The Billie Jean King Cup, featuring over 130 nations, stands as the world’s largest annual international team event in women’s sports. Often seen as the female counterpart to the Davis Cup, it symbolizes national pride and team solidarity. “For every aspiring young girl in tennis, representing India in the Billie Jean King Cup is the ultimate dream. This week will be monumental for our players and a proud occasion for our country. We are determined to be fully prepared, to unite in strength, and to deliver our best in Bengaluru,” concluded Radhika.

With Bengaluru set to provide top-notch tennis and an electrifying ambiance, the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs are poised to be a landmark event in the annals of Indian women’s tennis.