India’s women tennis team signed off from the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group-I qualifiers on a high note, defeating Korea 2-1 at DLTA Stadium in New Delhi. The victory cemented third place in a six-team field, preserving India’s Group-I status, as Thailand and Indonesia progressed to the 2026 event.
The tie kicked off with singles ace Ankita Raina tackling Dayeon Back. Despite a dominant 6-1 second-set push after losing the opener, Raina faltered, allowing Back to win four consecutive games for a 6-1, 7-5 verdict and a 1-0 lead for Korea.
Vaishnavi Adkar, India’s ranking leader, restored parity in a nail-biting second singles. Her power-packed game overwhelmed Sohyun Park in two tight tiebreaks, 7-6, 7-6. ‘This win feels right after a challenging last match. I improved markedly,’ Adkar said, crediting the vibrant home crowd: ‘Their support created positive vibes—we never gave up, knowing we’re representing the nation.’
The doubles rubber proved the turnaround. Raina, partnering Rutuja Bhosle, dominated Korea’s Back and Yunhye Lee with ruthless efficiency, 6-2, 6-2, locking in the 2-1 scoreline. With three triumphs against two defeats, India surpassed Korea in the standings.
In the title decider, Thailand outlasted Indonesia 2-1. Indonesia forfeited the first singles via retirement, but Janice Jen, the region’s No. 41, rallied with a 6-2, 6-4 doubles win—no, wait, singles win over Ankisara Chanta. Thailand’s Patcharin Cheepchandej and Pengtawan Plipuech then dispatched Indonesia’s substitute pair in straight sets.
New Zealand’s 3-0 rout of Mongolia rounded out the action, with both teams relegated to Group-II. This campaign underscores India’s growing depth and fight in team tennis.
