Billie Jean King Cup: India fall 1-2 to New Zealand in opener despite Shrivalli’s heroics
Tennis, Sports: Despite an inspiring performance by Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, the Indian team couldn't hold off the Kiwis, who mounted a strong comeback to clinch the tie
India began their Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 campaign on a bittersweet note, falling to New Zealand 1-2 in their opening tie at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex in Pune. Despite an inspiring performance by Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, the Indian team couldn't hold off the Kiwis, who mounted a strong comeback to clinch the tie.
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty kicked off India’s challenge in style, facing Aishi Das in the first singles match. The rising Indian star was dominant from the first serve, producing a commanding display marked by six aces and clinical break-point conversions. Shrivalli breezed through the match 6-1, 6-1 in under an hour, giving India an early 1-0 advantage.
Also Read: IPL 2025: My back is fine now: LSG skipper Rishabh Pant after thrilling win over KKR
However, the momentum shifted in the second singles clash where Sahaja Yamalapalli faced New Zealand’s experienced campaigner Lulu Sun. Sahaja battled hard but was outplayed by Sun, who used her experience and court craft effectively. The Kiwi prevailed 6-3, 6-3 in a match lasting 73 minutes, leveling the tie at 1-1.
Ankita-Prarthana outplayed
The deciding doubles match saw India’s seasoned pair of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare take on Lulu Sun and Monique Barry. Despite a spirited effort under the Pune floodlights, the Indian duo struggled to find rhythm and were outplayed by the consistent Kiwi pair. New Zealand sealed the match—and the tie—with a 6-3, 6-4 win in an hour and 23 minutes.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Do dark-coloured cars burn more fuel for AC in summer?
)
Peddi Row: Leaked chats and make-up artist reveal Janhvi Kapoor objected to oversexualized shots, but was ignored
)
US Navy's secret weapon? WION Decodes 'sea drones' used by America in first-of-its-kind rescue mission near Iran
)
Scientists discover vast geological structure hidden beneath Antarctica's ice
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why fighter jets are so loud compared to normal planes
)
'Act of aggression': Pakistan launches deadly strikes on Afghanistan, kills at least 11 children; Taliban responds
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Beyond Strait of Hormuz: How the Oman-Gujarat deep-sea pipeline could transform India's energy imports
)
Why Nepal joins Japan in banning Indian Mango imports & how it could impact exporters
)
'Erika told Usha between sobs...': JD Vance reportedly reveals what convinced his wife for fourth child
)
Israeli media claims $3 bn in Iranian assets transferred to Tehran amid ceasefire efforts
)
Russia-Ukraine War | Ukraine: Russia Fired 166 Drones & 2 Missiles in Overnight Barrage
)
‘Iran will pay the price,’ warns Trump, says Tehran ‘missed the chance’ for deal
)
Anti-immigration riots erupt in Belfast after Sudanese asylum seeker charged in stabbing: What's happening? | VIDEO
)
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay pays final respects to legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja
)
India summons US diplomat over strike on tanker off Oman; three Indian crew missing
)
Salman Khan's old warning to Pranit More resurfaces amid comedian's latest controversy | Watch
)
12 years of Modi govt: How India became $4 trillion economy and set its sights on $5 tillion
)
US strikes Iran as Trump vows 'very powerful' response over Apache helicopter downing
)
At least 12 killed, 9 injured in mass shooting near Johannesburg, say police
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
5 reasons why FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony is different from previous editions
)
Indian-origin couple, terminally-ill son die after falling from London high rise, suicide suspected: Who are they
)
'Abduct Lebanese women, arrest children': Israeli minister's 'out-of-the-box' proposal to defeat Hezbollah sparks outrage
)
'Leave our region if you want to be safe': Iran vows 'heavy response' after US strikes
)
Old praise, new problems: Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das's 9-year-old tweet faces scrutiny
)
Why is Pranit More being called out for his latest show? Know all about the 'Rs 370 ki biryani' controversy
)
CID exposes Rs 2,400-crore ponzi scheme in Karnataka; Over 40,00 investors affected in fraud case
)
Russia proposes two-seater Su-57E variant and weapons integration to India
)
Trump says he may ‘keep going’ with strikes against Iran, target power plants and bridges
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the AIM-9 is a legendary fighter jet missile
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Master of manoeuvring: This jet has never lost a dogfight?
)
Sweden’s Saab in ‘continuous’ talks with India for Gripen E fighter jets
)
US-Iran War | Trump's Offer: If We Rebuild Iran, We Will Take Half of Their Oil
)
US completes 'self-defense strikes' on Iran; IRGC retaliates with attack on Gulf bases
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Is it logically smarter to buy an electric car right now just to avoid fuel costs?
)
Trump’s ‘Naruto’ video sparks backlash and 20,000 file online petition in Japan
)
Trump wants new PM for Israel? US president calls Netanyahu 'wartime PM', but does not endorse him
The tournament was officially inaugurated earlier in the day by former Fed Cup player Radhika Tulpule-Kanitkar, alongside several stalwarts of Indian tennis including Sohini Kumari, Saujanya Bavishetty, Pranjala Yadlapalli, Sai Jayalakshmi, and Aarti Ponappa Natekar. Maharashtra’s international tennis icons Bela Phadke, Radhika Mandke, and Sheetal Kannamwar Iyer also graced the occasion.
As part of the ceremony, players like Rutuja Bhosale, Radhika Godbole, Vaishnavi Adkar, and others were felicitated for their contributions to Indian tennis. The awards were presented by MSLTA Chairman Bharat Oza and other dignitaries including Tournament Director Sunder Iyer, Treasurer Sudhir Bhivapurkar, and CEO Manoj Vaidya.
India will look to bounce back when they face Thailand in their second tie on Wednesday, April 9.
