India gear up for Billie Jean King Cup, target another playoff berth

New Delhi: India have begun their preparations for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tournament in the national capital, with captain Vishal Uppal expressing confidence in a balanced squad that blends experience and youth.

The team assembled in Delhi earlier this week to acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the April 7-11 tournament, with Uppal stressing the importance of early preparation.

“We’ve just got here to Delhi... and come the 7th of April, we’ll be ready to come out and fight for India. We really hope the people of Delhi come out in large numbers and support Team India,” Uppal told PTI Videos.

Reflecting on last year’s campaign, where India made the playoffs but fell short of advancing further, Uppal highlighted the need for collective effort. “Tennis is an individual sport, but here it has to be a team effort. This year, all of us have to play our role and give our heart and soul day in and day out,” he added.

India’s recent performances underline steady progress in women’s tennis. The team has qualified for the World Group playoffs twice in the last six years after a 42-year drought before 2020. “Everyone wants to live in a penthouse, but you have to build the floors first. We are in the process of building women’s tennis in India,” Uppal explained, underlining the long-term vision.