India began their Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 campaign against New Zealand at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex in Pune on April 8, 2025. The hosts got off to a promising start as rising star Shrivalli Bhamidipaty delivered a dominating performance against Aishi Das, winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-1. Her powerful game, including six aces and a strong break-point conversion rate, helped India take a 1-0 lead in the tie.

Lulu Sun levels the tie for New Zealand

The second singles match saw Sahaja Yamalapalli face off against the seasoned Lulu Sun. Despite Sahaja’s efforts, Lulu’s experience and control over the court proved decisive. The New Zealander outplayed her Indian opponent 6-3, 6-3 in a match that lasted 1 hour and 13 minutes, leveling the tie at 1-1.

Doubles defeat hands New Zealand the tie

With the tie evenly poised, the doubles match became the decider. India fielded the experienced pair of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare, who went up against Lulu Sun and Monique Barry. Despite their resilience, the Indian duo couldn’t gain control of the match and lost 6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour and 23 minutes. New Zealand emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in the tie.

Tournament inaugurated in grand ceremony

The tournament was inaugurated with a vibrant ceremony led by former Fed Cup player Radhika Tulpule-Kanitkar. The event also witnessed the presence of other notable names such as Sohini Kumari, Saujanya Bavishetty, Pranjala Yadlapalli, Sai Jayalakshmi, Aarti Ponappa Natekar, Bela Phadke, Radhika Mandke, and Sheetal Kannamwar Iyer, who walked onto the court carrying their national flags in a display of international camaraderie.

Maharashtra players felicitated at opening ceremony

Prominent Maharashtra-based international players like Rutuja Bhosale, Radhika Godbole, Bela Phadke, Vaishnavi Adkar, and Sheetal Kannamwar Iyer were felicitated during the ceremony. 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, and CEO Manoj Vaidya.

India set to face Thailand in next match

India will now face Thailand in their second match of the Billie Jean King Cup on Wednesday, April 9. After a close loss to New Zealand, the Indian team will be looking to bounce back and keep their hopes alive in the tournament.