India’s women’s team has started strong at the Billie Jean King Cup in Changsha, China, defeating Pacific Oceania in the first tie of the Asia/Oceania Group 1 on April 9. Rutuja Bhosale and Ankita Raina both won their respective singles matches, while the doubles team of Prarthana Thombare and Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty delivered a stunning performance for a 3-0 clean sweep.
Bhosale dominated her match with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Tarani Kamoe, showcasing her impressive serving abilities. Raina secured a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Saoirse Breen, giving their team a 2-0 lead. Thombare and Bhamidipaty’s doubles pair won 6-1, 6-1 against Mehetia Boosie and Ruby Coffin in the final match of the tie at the Billie Jean King Cup 2024. The Indian team will next face China in the pool stage on Wednesday.
Ahead of the Cup, India’s top player, Ankita Raina, expressed confidence in her team but raised concerns about playing on a clay surface. “We have a strong team, and everyone has done well in the last two months,” she told Sportstar, but she acknowledged not knowing how comfortable her teammates were playing on clay and didn’t want to be overconfident. India is grouped with teams from China, Korea, New Zealand, and Taiwan. The top two teams from the group will advance to the World Group play-off, while the bottom two will be relegated to Asia-Oceania Group 2.
