BJK Cup 2025: India Aims to Shine in Asia-Oceania Group-1 at Home

Pune, April 7 (NationPress) As India prepares to host the Asia-Oceania Group-1 round of the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 for the first time, the home team aims to leverage their local conditions to leave a significant impact in this esteemed tournament.

Organized by MSLTA in collaboration with AITA at the tennis stadium within the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune, the Billie Jean King Cup serves as the female counterpart to the Davis Cup, recognized as the premier team competition in women's tennis.

The Indian squad will compete against New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, Korea Republic, Thailand, and Hong Kong China in a round-robin format, with the top two teams progressing to the playoff stage.

“Everyone is looking forward to the tournament, and I believe we are well-prepared. The team is bonding nicely, and we are eager to begin. I encourage the younger players to remember they are representing their country. Give your all. This is a dream for many to be in this position. Enjoy every moment and don’t stress over the outcome,” stated Ankita Raina, India’s leading singles player.

Leading the charge for India is Ankita Raina, accompanied by Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Vaidehi Chaudhari, and doubles veteran Prarthana Thombare. The team also includes 15-year-old sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran as a reserve. Vishal Uppal will captain the squad, and Radhika Kanitkar Tulpule has been designated as the coach.

“We understand each other's roles within the team, and work effectively together. This synergy has been our greatest strength. The seniors, with their extensive experience, provide great guidance on when to act. We are eager for some strong competition, and I believe we have formed a robust team,” remarked Shrivalli Bhamidipaty.

All eyes will also be on Lulu Sun from New Zealand, the top-ranked singles player in the tournament.

Ranked World No. 45 in singles, Lulu Sun has secured seven singles and four doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. In 2024, she made history by being the first woman from her nation to reach the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

Another standout is doubles player Wu Fang-Hsien from Chinese Taipei, currently ranked World No. 30 in doubles and in peak form, having clinched consecutive doubles titles at the Auckland Open and Hobart International earlier this year. She also reached the semifinals of the WTA 1000 Qatar Open and the WTA 1000 Miami Open in 2025.

India aims to secure a playoff spot for the second time in the tournament's history after narrowly missing qualification in the previous edition. The nation’s most notable performance in this tournament occurred in 2020 when Sania Mirza, who departed the team in 2016, made a remarkable return to help India qualify for the playoffs.

India finished second in the Asia-Oceania Pool stage with four victories out of five matches but regrettably lost to Latvia 3-1 in their inaugural playoff match.

India will kick off the tournament on Centre Court against New Zealand on the opening day. On Court 1 and Court 2, the Republic will face Chinese Taipei, while Thailand will compete against Hong Kong, China, respectively.

The Billie Jean King Cup 2025 will commence with a spectacular opening ceremony at 2:00 PM, featuring engaging performances and special guest appearances.

“The Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association is thrilled to host the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 games in Pune,” expressed Sunder Iyer, Tournament Director and Hon Secretary of MSLTA.

Pune will be making history by hosting the BKJC for the first time in the century-long tennis journey of the city. We at AITA bid for the BKJ Cup to ensure our girls compete at home instead of traveling abroad. The favorable weather, home-cooked meals, and public support should provide them with a home advantage, and they should take full advantage of it,” he added.

“At MSLTA, we have spared no effort for this tournament. Preparations are set for players to experience a fantastic event, and for fans to enjoy some incredible tennis. Entry is free for tennis players from the city, state, and country, and we anticipate the best players will entertain everyone,” he concluded.

The tournament is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare (Maharashtra). Matches will be broadcast on DD Sports.

Indian squad for the Billie Jean King Cup:

Players - Ankita Raina, Prarthana Thombare, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Vaidehi Chaudhari, Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi (Reserve)

Captain - Vishal Uppal

Coach - Radhika Kanitkar Tulpule

Physios - Rutuja Kulkarni and Apurva Kulkarni.