Shrivalli is backing herself to do well against higher-ranked opponents
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
With five wins in as many matches at the Billie Jean King Cup Asia Oceania Group 1, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty played a significant role in India’s passage to the playoffs.
Shrivalli, equipped with a big serve and crisp forehand, must now further elevate her game in this business end of the tournament.
In the playoff ties commencing here on Friday, Shrivalli and her Indian tennis teammates must punch above their weight against Slovenia and Netherlands.
Shrivalli, the World No. 381, backs herself to do well against higher-ranked opponents. The tall 23-year-old can draw on her successes in the previous round, where three of her five wins came against players ranked above her.
“Every match will be tough, but rankings do not matter. I think most of us in the Indian team — myself, Sahaja (Yamalapalli) and others have beaten quite a few higher ranked players in the past,” Shrivalli told The Hindu after a practice session at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium here on Tuesday.
The outings over three days will mark the first time that India hosts the Billie Jean King Cup play-offs. To play in front of a home crowd will give the team a tremendous boost, Shrivalli said.
“The biggest advantage we have is the home crowd. There should be a lot of people coming to cheer and back us. That gives a lot more energy to the team, especially when we are here to play for our country. It is a great opportunity for all of us, and we are really excited,” Shrivalli said.
Published – November 11, 2025 08:07 pm IST
