The tennis tie between India and New Zealand in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers group stage saw a hard-fought battle, with the Kiwis eventually emerging victorious by a 2-1 score line. The Indian contingent found themselves on the outside looking in as their third-place Group 1 finish wasn’t enough to seal a Playoff berth, with China and Korea being the sole qualifiers from the group.
The opening rubber saw the Indian star Rutuja Bhosale take on New Zealand’s Monique Barry. Bhosale played some excellent tennis, firing on all cylinders to clinch the match 6-2, 7-6(5) and give India the early lead.
However, New Zealand hit back strongly in the second singles match as their top player Lulu Sun took on India’s Ankita Raina. Sun was the heavy favorite due to her higher ranking, and she lived up to it by outclassing Raina 6-2, 6-0 to level the tie.
With the decisive doubles rubber left to decide the winner, it was the Kiwi duo of Paige Hourigan and Erin Routliffe who held their nerve against Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare.
Raina & Thombare, despite being down down 1-6 1-5, staged a late comeback to level the second set 5-5. But the New Zealanders prevailed at the end, winning it 6-1, 7-5 to seal the tie for their team.
India will continue to remain in Asia/Oceania Group 1 courtesy their 3rd place finish in the group, and will compete at the same level next year, hoping to go one better.
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