By Admin 
India took a giant leap in the 2020-21 Billie Jean King Cup, when it made a maiden sojourn to the playoff round. Latvia, led by Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko and top-50 player Anastasija Sevastova, put an end to the dream run.
India now has another chance to break new ground, with the latest edition of the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs commencing at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium here on Friday.
The Indians – likely represented in singles by Sahaja Yamalapalli (World No. 309) and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (World No. 381) – have a mountain to climb if they are to top the group and advance to the next stage.
Two powerful rivals, Slovenia and Netherlands, stand in the way. Slovenia counts on 2021 French Open semifinalist Tamara Zidansek and Kaja Juvan (World No. 98), while Netherlands looks to Suzan Lamens (World No. 87) and the experienced Arantxa Rus (a former top-50 player) to get the job done.
The Indians, however, have had a few big scalps in recent times. Only last month, Sahaja upset 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens in straight sets at the WTA 125K Abierto Tampico in Mexico. Shrivalli, meanwhile, consistently outplayed higher-ranked opponents enroute to five straight wins in the previous round of the Billie Jean King Cup.
Ankita Raina, likely to be tasked with doubles duty alongside Prarthana Thombare, is not one to back down from a fight.
“My best results have come when I have played for the country. It is a completely different feeling. Everyone is equal on the court,” Ankita said here on Thursday.
Team captain Vishal Uppal appealed to the fans to provide a lift in spirit.
“We need the Bengaluru crowd to come out and support us, and perhaps get under the skin of the opponents. That is what makes team competitions fun. I’ve experienced this when I played in the Davis Cup,” Uppal said.
Netherlands takes on Slovenia on Friday, while India will be seen in action over the weekend.