In a landmark moment for Indian tennis, India is hosting the Billie Jean King Cup play-offs for the very first time — and the stage is set in Bengaluru. From November 14 to 16, 2025, the S. M. Krishna Tennis Stadium will come alive with high-stakes women’s team tennis, as India takes on Slovenia and the Netherlands in Group G.
A Historic Milestone
This event is more than just another tennis tie — it’s a turning point. According to the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), it marks the first time in history that the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) play-offs will be held on Indian soil.
India’s path to this moment has been building. The Indian women’s team earned its play-off berth after a strong performance in the Asia/Oceania Group I tie earlier in Pune — a feat that underscored their growing competitiveness.
Venue Transformation: Bengaluru Gears Up
S. M. Krishna Tennis Stadium, long a hub of tennis activity in Karnataka, has undergone a serious makeover in preparation for the Cup. The stadium has received a fresh coat of navy paint, its courts have been resurfaced, and spectator stands refurbished. In addition, new team lounges and locker rooms have been built to welcome players from India, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.
It’s not just aesthetics — technology too is getting a boost. For the first time in an Indian tennis event of this scale, Hawk-Eye and Electronic Line Calling (ELC) systems are being introduced, raising the standard of officiating to global levels.
The Indian Team: Hungry, Young, and United
India’s squad for the tie is a compelling mix of experience and youthful ambition. The team includes Ankita Raina, one of India’s most consistent performers, as well as rising stars Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Vaidehi Chaudhari, and doubles specialist Prarthana Thombare.
At the heart of India’s campaign is coach Radhika Kanitkar, a former player turned mentor. Speaking ahead of the week’s matches, she emphasized the significance of playing on home ground. The extended training camp in Bengaluru, she noted, is not just about adapting to conditions — it’s about building trust, unity, and mental strength.
Kanitkar also called for strong local support, recalling how the crowd in Pune lifted the team. She hopes the fans in Bengaluru will bring even more energy and create a defining moment for Indian women’s tennis.
