Bengaluru, Nov 13 (UNI) The air in Bengaluru is charged with anticipation — and perhaps a touch of nervous energy — as India prepares to host one of its most important women’s tennis showdowns yet.
The Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs are here, and Group G — featuring India, the Netherlands, and Slovenia — promises drama, emotion, and maybe even a few goosebumps.
At the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, the tricolour will wave proudly as India chases history on home soil. They’ll take on Slovenia on Saturday and then the Netherlands on Sunday. The reward for the group winner? A coveted place in the World Group qualifiers — tennis’ version of the big league.
For India’s captain Vishal Uppal, this isn’t just another tie — it’s something more.
“It’s definitely an honour and very special for us to be playing the Billie Jean King Cup Playoff in Bengaluru,” he said, with unmistakable pride. “India women’s tennis is on the right path. Playing in India is a privilege, and we’re very excited to be here.”
It’s been months since the team last gathered in Pune, but the camaraderie hasn’t dimmed.
“We’ve stayed in touch, tracking each other’s progress,” Uppal added. “Now, it’s about becoming one cohesive unit and focusing on what we can control — our effort, our energy, and our attitude.”
If his words sound measured, the vibe inside the camp is anything but subdued. There’s a quiet confidence, and young star Sahaja Yamalapalli embodies it.
“It’s great to have a team around you. You can fall back on each other, and it really changes the way you approach the game,” she said, smiling as she spoke about the spirit that binds them.
Meanwhile, the visitors have already settled in. The Slovenians, led by world No. 19 Tamara Zidansek, were the first to arrive, determined to acclimatise.
“We came early because the conditions are unique — a bit of altitude, bouncy courts, and lively balls,” Zidansek explained. “It’s been great to get those extra days to adjust.”
The Dutch, however, aren’t here just to participate — they’re here to stamp their authority. Ranked 14th in the world, the Netherlands arrive with confidence and experience, led by the assured Elise Tamaela.
“Every match is different, and last year gives us confidence,” she said. “But country ties are unpredictable — anything can happen. What matters is that we’ve prepared well, and we have.”
The tone has been set. The courts are gleaming under the Bengaluru sun. The practice sessions have grown louder. India and Slovenia have been training since November 8, while the Netherlands joined on November 10 — all fine-tuning their strokes on the quick, high-bouncing hard courts.
And now, the stage is ready for three afternoons of pure tennis theatre — starting tomorrow, when Slovenia and the Netherlands square off. India steps in on Saturday against Slovenia, before the grand finale on Sunday: India vs Netherlands, 3 PM.
It’s more than just tennis. It’s pride. It’s home advantage. It’s a shot at the world stage.
Squads:
India: Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipathy, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia, Prarthana Thombare.
Netherlands: Suzan Lamens, Arantxa Rus, Anouk Koevermans, Demi Schuurs.
Slovenia: Tamara Zidanšek, Kaja Juvan, Dalila Jakupovic, Nika Radisic.
