Pune: India kicked off their campaign at the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 games with 2-1 loss to New Zealand. While the hosts began brightly as the dynamic Shrivalli Bhamidipaty registered a resounding win in her match. However, it was New Zealand who had more in their tank on the first day, as they roared back to win the tie 2-1, here at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex.
Up first for India was Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, who faced Aishi Das. The Indian youngster, who has been steadily going up the rankings so far, put on a power-packed performance in the national colours. In just under an hour, Shrivalli wrapped up a comprehensive win with 6 aces and a healthy break-point conversation rate to boast off. Shrivalli won the contest 6-1, 6-1, to give India a 1-0 lead in the tie.
The Game 2 saw Sahaja Yamalapalli take on the experienced Lulu Sun in the what was the second singles match. The young Indian was up against it as her opponent used the court and her power wisely. The match lasted for an hour and 13 minutes, with Lulu Sun making Sahaja work hard for her points. Eventually, the New Zealander won 6-3, 6-3 to level the tie 1-1.
In the doubles game, India had the experienced duo of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare squaring up against the Kiwi duo of Lulu Sun and Monique Barry. The Indian pairing gave it their all under the floodlights, but Lulu Sun and Monique Barry had the better of the exchanges. The Indian pairing never really looked in control of proceedings but fought valiantly. Nonetheless, New Zealand walked off the court with a straight sets win 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 23 minutes.
Earlier, The tournament was inaugurated by former Fed Cup player Radhika Tulpule-Kanitkar, Sohini Kumari, Saujanya Bavishetty, Pranjala Yadlapalli, Sai Jayalakshmi, Aarti Ponappa Natekar, Maharashtra’s international tennis players Bela Phadke, Radhika Mandke, and Sheetal Kannamwar Iyer. Maharashtra international tennis players Rutuja Bhosale, Radhika Godbole, Bela Phadke, Vaishnavi Adkar, and Sheetal Kannamwar Iyer were also felicitated.
The awards were presented by MSLTA Chairman Bharat Oza.
It was a picturesque moment of celebration at Centre Court as the teams got together ahead of the tournament.
India will take on Thailand in their second match of the Billie Jean King Cup on Wednesday, April 9.
Photo caption: Lulu Sun of New Zealand in action at Balewadi tennis stadium on Tuesday.
