Pune is set to make history by hosting the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tournament for the first time, while Maharashtra will welcome the prestigious event after a gap of 25 years. The competition will take place from 8 to 12 April at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex.
“After the success of the L&T Mumbai Open WTA and the PMRDA MahaOpen ATP Challenger, MSLTA, in association with AITA and PMDTA, is thrilled to secure another high-level event,” said Sunder Iyer, Honorary Secretary of MSLTA.
Although Pune has been the venue for several major tennis tournaments, this will be the first time it hosts the Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Fed Cup. Iyer highlighted that AITA and MSLTA had actively bid for the event to provide Indian players with the advantage of competing at home.
The tournament will feature six teams from the Asia-Oceania region: New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, Korea, Thailand, and hosts India. Matches will be played in a round-robin format, with each tie comprising two singles matches followed by a doubles match.
With home support and familiar conditions, the Indian team will be aiming to capitalise on the opportunity and secure one of the two available qualification spots.
Led by Ankita Raina, the Indian squad includes Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, and Vaidehi Chaudhari, all ranked between 300 and 358 in singles. Experienced doubles specialist Prarthana Thombare, ranked 137 in doubles and recently a runner-up at the WTA Mumbai Open, adds further depth to the squad under captain Vishal Uppal.
Despite the absence of strong contenders such as Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, India will face stiff competition from New Zealand, Thailand, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong China.
New Zealand’s Lulu Sun, currently ranked 44th in the world, is the highest-ranked player in the tournament. She will be joined by Monique Barry and Aishi Das as they look to make a significant impact.
Thailand presents a strong challenge with Mananchaya Sawangkaew (ranked 111) and Lanlana Tararudee (ranked 173) leading their squad, supported by Thasaporn Naklo, Patcharin Cheapchandej, and experienced doubles specialist Peangtarn Plipuech.
Chinese Taipei, captained by Joanna Garland (ranked 212), features a well-balanced team including Ya-Hsuan Lee, Yi-Tsen Cho, Fang-An Lin, and Fang Hsien Wu, with particular strength in doubles.
Korea will depend on Sohyun Park (ranked 310), who recently won an international title in India, along with Dayeon Back, Eunhye Lee, Boyoung Jeong, and Kim Dabin.
Hong Kong China’s team is led by Hong Yi Cody Wong (ranked 350) and Eudice Chong (ranked 356), a doubles duo with multiple professional circuit titles. Their squad also includes Ho Ching Wu, Man Ying Maggie Ng, and Justine Leong.