India’s challenge in the Billie Jean King Cup suffered a setback on Saturday after Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Sahaja Yamalapalli delivered gritty performances but ultimately fell short against an experienced Slovenian side. Slovenia took a commanding 2-0 lead in Group G, securing their place in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers in Bengaluru.
Shrivalli’s Brave Battle Falls Short
Opening the tie for India, 23-year-old Shrivalli Bhamidipaty put up a spirited fight in a match that stretched for 2 hours and 19 minutes, but she eventually went down 3-6, 6-4, 1-6 to the seasoned Tamara Zidansek.
Shrivalli began nervously, allowing Zidansek to race to a 4-0 lead with a mix of sharp groundstrokes and precise serves. However, Shrivalli steadied herself, holding serve in the fifth game and breaking back in the sixth to close the gap to 5-3. The momentum, however, did not last long as errors, including a wayward forehand, helped Zidansek seal the first set.
The Indian came out stronger in the second set, lifting her intensity and power. She broke Zidansek in the opening game and then saved three break points to hold for 2-0. Building on her rhythm, Shrivalli surged to a 4-1 lead, displaying depth, placement, and controlled aggression.
Though Zidansek narrowed the margin to 5-4, Shrivalli held her nerve. A commanding service game coupled with a brilliant down-the-line forehand helped her close out the second set, levelling the match.
The third set, however, tilted firmly in Zidansek’s favour. Returning from a brief break, the Slovenian looked fresher and sharper, reclaiming her forehand dominance. With a combination of three strong holds and a break, she marched ahead 4-1. Shrivalli’s energy and options dwindled thereafter, as Zidansek secured another break and sealed the match 6-1. A netted backhand from Shrivalli on match point saw Zidansek roar in triumph.
Speaking after the match, Shrivalli said:
“It was an electrifying match. Definitely, a little disappointed that I couldn’t get the win for my team. Tamara is an amazing player. She’s quite experienced and I’m happy that I could give a good fight. Our team wanted to give 100% and show everyone why more girls deserve support and why women should play more sports. I think we did that in the first match.”
Sahaja Starts Strong but Fades Against Kaja Juan
In the second singles rubber, 25-year-old Sahaja Yamalapalli—ranked World No. 309—had her moments but eventually lost 4-6, 2-6 against World No. 98 Kaja Juan.
Sahaja stayed toe-to-toe with her higher-ranked opponent through the first six games of the opening set, matching Juan’s pace and trading solid baseline exchanges. Juan managed the first breakthrough in the seventh game, but Sahaja retaliated immediately with a break in the eighth, highlighted by an impressive forehand winner on break point.
However, Juan regained control, breaking Sahaja again in the ninth game before serving out the first set comfortably.
Sahaja’s lack of a decisive weapon became more evident in the second set. Juan unleashed winners from both wings, pushing the Indian onto the back foot. Relying mainly on steady but less penetrating groundstrokes, Sahaja struggled to create pressure. Breaks in the third and fifth games allowed Juan to close out the match with ease.
Doubles and Final Tie Ahead
In the inconsequential doubles rubber, Prarthana Thombre and Ankita Raina will face Slovenia’s Dalila Jakupovic and Nikia Radisic.
India will wrap up their Billie Jean King Cup campaign with a tie against the Netherlands on Sunday. Following this edition, India will return to the Asia-Oceania section next year for a fresh attempt at revival and progress