A defining moment awaits Indian women’s tennis as the national team gears up for its biggest team challenge in years- the Billie Jean King Cup (BJK Cup) Play-offs- beginning Friday at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium. For the first time in history, India is hosting a women’s team tennis event of such magnitude, and the stakes could not be higher.
Situated nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, the Bengaluru produces quicker, high-bouncing conditions on the outdoor hard courts—conditions far removed from the sea-level European surfaces that Slovenia and the Netherlands are accustomed to.
Grouped alongside Slovenia (World No. 19) and the Netherlands (World No. 14) in Group G, India must top the three-team league to enter the 2026 BJK Cup Qualifiers, the gateway to the elite World Group. Anything less will send them back to the Asia/Oceania Zone in 2026, undoing years of progress.
India’s previous best campaign came in 2020–21, when they reached the Play-offs for the first time before falling to Latvia.
The One Route India Must Rely On: Doubles
With each tie featuring two singles and one doubles rubber, India’s most realistic path to a 2–1 win in both matches is clear:
- Steal one singles point.
- Win the doubles decider.
Billie Jean King Cup: Schedule
Matches will start at 3:00 PM IST (local time)
- Nov 14 (Fri): Slovenia vs Netherlands
- Nov 15 (Sat): India vs Slovenia
- Nov 16 (Sun): India vs Netherlands
Billie Jean King Cup: Squads
Team India: Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipathy, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia, Prarthana Thombare.
Team Netherlands: Suzan Lamens, Arantxa Rus, Anouk Koevermans, Demi Schuurs.
Team Slovenia: Tamara Zidansek, Kaja Juvan, Dalila Jakupovic, Nika Radisic.
Also Read: WTA Finals: All The Players With Titles
How to watch Billie Jean King Cup In India for free?
The tournament will be broadcast live on DD Sports in India.
Venue: S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium, Bengaluru, India
Surface: Hard, Outdoors
