BJK Cup 2025: India loses 1-2 to New Zealand in opener; Srivalli triumphs over Aishi Das
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Synopsis
India faced a tough start in the Billie Jean King Cup 2025, losing 1-2 to New Zealand. Srivalli Bhamidipaty secured an impressive victory, but the team couldn't maintain momentum, ultimately falling in the doubles match. The tournament is being hosted in Pune, marking a significant event in women's tennis.
Key Takeaways
- India lost to New Zealand 1-2 in the Billie Jean King Cup.
- Shrivalli Bhamidipaty achieved a remarkable win.
- Sahaja Yamalapalli faced tough competition from Lulu Sun.
- The doubles match was lost by India after a valiant effort.
- The tournament is being hosted for the first time in India.
Pune, April 8 (NationPress) India suffered a 1-2 defeat against New Zealand in the opening match of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1, marking the start of their campaign in this renowned women's team tournament, which India is hosting for the first time.
The home team began on a high note with the impressive Shrivalli Bhamidipaty earning a decisive victory in her singles match. However, New Zealand rallied to clinch the tie 2-1, held at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty took the court first against Aishi Das. The rising Indian star showcased her prowess, delivering a powerful performance in national colors. In under an hour, Shrivalli secured a convincing win with six aces and an excellent break-point conversion rate, concluding the match 6-1, 6-1, and putting India ahead 1-0.
The second singles match featured Sahaja Yamalapalli facing the seasoned Lulu Sun. The young Indian faced a tough challenge as her opponent skillfully utilized the court. The match spanned an hour and 13 minutes, with Lulu Sun triumphing 6-3, 6-3 to level the tie at 1-1.
In the doubles showdown, India fielded the experienced pair of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare against the Kiwi duo of Lulu Sun and Monique Barry. Despite their efforts under the floodlights, the Indian team struggled to dominate the exchanges. Ultimately, New Zealand emerged victorious with a straight sets win of 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 23 minutes.
The tournament commenced with an inauguration led by former Fed Cup player Radhika Tulpule-Kanitkar, alongside notable figures such as Sohini Kumari, Saujanya Bavishetty, Pranjala Yadlapalli, Sai Jayalakshmi, Aarti Ponappa Natekar, and Maharashtra’s international players Bela Phadke, Radhika Mandke, and Sheetal Kannamwar Iyer.
Additionally, Maharashtra's international tennis players Rutuja Bhosale, Radhika Godbole, Bela Phadke, Vaishnavi Adkar, and Sheetal Kannamwar Iyer were honored during this occasion. The awards were presented by MSLTA Chairman Bharat Oza, Tournament Director and MSLTA Hon Secretary Sunder Iyer, Treasurer Sudhir Bhivapurkar, Joint Secretaries Rajiv Desai and Sheetal Bhosale, along with Chief Executive Officer Manoj Vaidya.
India is set to face Thailand in their next match of the Billie Jean King Cup on Wednesday.
