At Pune’s Balewadi Tennis Stadium, the future of Indian women’s tennis is coming together. Vaidehi Chaudhari and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty were locked in a focused practice session while Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi and Sahaja Yamalapalli retrieved balls with equal intensity. Rotating positions and sharing responsibilities, this group of young women is preparing for a crucial challenge—the Billie Jean King Cup.
In identical blue uniforms and with steely determination, these relatively new faces of Indian tennis assembled under one goal: to prove that women’s tennis in India is ready to shine on the international stage. Despite their varying journeys, their combined presence reflects a growing strength in Indian women’s singles.
For years, India has remained in the Asia/Oceania Group 1 category of the Billie Jean King Cup, often falling short of advancing to higher rounds. The team’s furthest journey was in 2021 when they reached the playoffs. This time, though, they’re aiming for more than just a playoff spot.
Team captain Vishal Uppal believes this squad is ready to make a bold statement. “This is not just about qualifying. We want the world to know that Indian women’s tennis is evolving and deserves serious attention,” Uppal told HT.
The Indian squad will compete in a round-robin format beginning April 8, facing off against teams from New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Thailand. With China and Japan playing in higher tiers, India has a rare and valuable chance to move forward, especially with the home court advantage in Pune.
Leading the team is 32-year-old Ankita Raina, India’s top-ranked singles player and a veteran with a bronze medal from the 2018 Asian Games. The only returning member from the 2021 team, Raina brings invaluable experience. Alongside her is doubles expert Prarthana Thombare, 30, a former Olympian who reached the final of a WTA125 event in Mumbai not long ago.
The rest of the squad represents the next generation of Indian tennis. Sahaja Yamalapalli, 24, and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, 23, are known for their aggressive baseline games and fast movement. Vaidehi Chaudhari, a two-time national champion, is another powerful contender. And at just 15 years old, Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is already turning heads. A student at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain, she made a stunning run to the semifinals at the Mumbai WTA125 tournament as an unranked player.
Together, these athletes reflect an impressive depth that Indian women’s tennis hasn’t seen before.
Uppal noted, “This team gives us multiple strong singles options. That’s something we didn’t have in previous years. There’s a good mix of youth and experience here. Now it’s about proving that they belong at this level.”
While his main concern is the team’s ability to maintain consistency, Uppal remains optimistic. “They’ve shown they can deliver. It’s about putting it all together when it matters most.”
India will face New Zealand in their opening tie on Tuesday, with hopes high for a strong showing that could change the narrative for Indian women’s tennis.
