Get ready for a week of high-octane tennis action as Changsha, China, gears up to host the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Asia/Oceania Group I event from April 9th to 13th, 2024. Six nations will clash on court, all vying for a coveted spot in the November Play-offs.
With a rain forecast for most of the days, the tie is expected to be organized on indoor clay.
Format
There will be one pool of six teams. The top two teams will win promotion to the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, while the bottom two teams will be relegated to Asia/Oceania Group II in 2025.
Home Court Advantage for China
Leading the pack is the host nation, China. Boasting a strong team featuring Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen (World No. 8) and three other Top 65 players, China will be looking to capitalise on their home court advantage. The passionate Chinese crowd will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.
Rising Star India Aims to Upset
India, led by Ankita Raina (World No. 226), will be looking to cause a couple of upsets and finish second. India is bolstered by the rise of Sahaja Yamalapalli and Shrivalli Bhamidipati while having the ever dependable Rutuja Bhosale in the ranks.
With the selection of Prarthana Thombare as the specialist doubles player and who has won the W75 Split leading up – Indian side is polished across all the aspects.
The risk is the limited experience for the team on Clay Courts. The Indian should pick up the points against Pacific Oceania and should aim to win 2 out of the 3 matches against Chinese Taipei, New Zealand and South Korea.
Experience Meets Youth
South Korea brings a blend of experience and youthful exuberance to the table. Their team composition is still under wraps, but expect a strategic mix of veterans and rising stars looking to make their mark on the international stage.
New Zealand and Pacific Oceania Seek Breakthroughs
New Zealand and Pacific Oceania will be aiming to prove themselves against the regional heavyweights.
The New Zealand team is significantly bolstered by the signing of Lulu Sun from Switzerland. The talented left hander is ranked highest ranked player amongst the non-Chinese teams and boasts of World No. 5 Erin Routliffe in doubles – posing them as heavy favourites in a singles and doubles match.
Chinese Taipei Vying for Repeat Success
Chinese Taipei, having earned promotion from Group II in 2023, will be determined to repeat their success. They boast the best doubles team across all the teams while also having formidable singles players.
Who will reign supreme in Changsha?
Buckle up for a week of nail-biting matches, strategic team selections, and inspiring displays of athleticism. With a spot in the Play-offs on the line, expect every team to fight tooth and nail for victory.
Teams
| India | Rank | China | Rank | South Korea | Rank |
| Ankita Raina | 242 | Qinwen Zheng | 7 | Sujeong Jang | 215 |
| Sahaja Yamalapalli | 309 | Xinyu Wang | 43 | Sohyun Park | 294 |
| Rutuja Bhosale | 367 | Xiyu Wang | 56 | Dayeon Back | 451 |
| Shrivalli Bhamidipaty | 475 | Lin Zhu | 63 | Yeonwoo Ku | 469 |
| Prarthana Thombare | 163(D) | Hanyu Guo | 35(D) | Dabin Kim | 690 |
| New Zealand | Rank | Pacific Oceania | Rank | Chinese Taipei | Rank |
| Lulu Sun | 155 | Saoirse Breen | 1383(D) | Ya Yi Yang | 209 |
| Monique Barry | 672 | Tarani Kamoe | – | Joanna Garland | 305 |
| Valentina Ivanov | 967 | Eleanor Schuster | – | En Shuo Liang | 295 |
| Paige Hourigan | 451 | Mehetia Boosie | – | Su-Wei Hsieh | 1(D) |
| Erin Routliffe | 5(D) | Ruby Coffin | – | Hao-Ching Chan | 26(D) |
Venue
The matches will be held at Moon Island Clay Park in Changsha, China.
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