Tennis: India create Fed Cup history by qualifying for the world play-offs

The Indian Fed cup team created history by progressing to the play-offs for the first time ever with Ankita Raina leading the side to a 2-1 win over Indonesia.

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By finishing first and second at the Asia/Oceania Group I event in Dubai, China and India have earned their place in April's #FedCup by BNP Paribas Play-offs! pic.twitter.com/40ynydVev1

— Fed Cup (@FedCup) March 7, 2020

Ankita on 7 March night pulled off a crucial singles win against talented Aldila Sutjiadi to lock the tie 1-1 after Rutuja Bhosale suffered a crushing defeat against an unranked Priska Madelyn Nugroho.

Ankita Raina pulled off a crucial singles win against talented Aldila Sutjiadi to lock the tie 1-1 after Rutuja Bhosale suffered a crushing defeat against an unranked Priska Madelyn Nugroho. (Image: Twitter/IndTennisDaily)

Up against the 16-year-old Indonesian, who is ranked 15th on the ITF junior circuit, Rutuja lost 3-6 6-0 3-6 in one hour and 43 minutes in the opening singles. Ankita, who lost her previous two singles, demolished the challenge of talented Aldila Sutjiadi 6-3 6-3 in the second rubber. She then combined with seasoned Sania Mirza to beat Sutziyadi and Nugroho 7-6(4) 6-0 to seal India's place in the play-offs where they will take on either Latvia or the Netherlands in April.

They overcame a sluggish start as they were trailing 1-4 but regrouped to dominate the decisive set. India finished second in the six-team Group with four wins in a row after losing the opening tie to China, who remained unbeaten in the tournament. Since earning their place back in Asia/Oceania Group I in 2016, India remained in the regional group. With the rise of Ankita, things began to improve. Rutuja also played a key role as she provided winning starts in a few ties, sharing the burden with Ankita.

Mirza's return to Fed Cup after four years also helped as her inspirational presence and guidance helped the side immensely. India's non-playing captain Vishal Uppal is delighted with the result. "It's a historic moment and to be part of it feels surreal. I am proud of each and every member of our team -- the players, physio, coach, manager. We all came together and worked towards a common goal," Uppal told PTI. "I hope this win will give a big boost to women's tennis in India.

India’s best previous Fed Cup performance came in 2006 when they were the runners-up in Asia/Oceania Zone Group I. They are now two tie victories away from competing in the 2021 Fed Cup Finals, but must first overcome Latvia in next month’s Play-offs.

“I think we have to literally take it match by match. But I also think we need to exhale and enjoy this moment too because this is a huge step for women’s tennis in India – we’re coming from a country where really women’s tennis was redundant until maybe 15 years ago,” said Mirza, who returned to Fed Cup after a four-year absence, and played a crucial role in helping India advance by winning all three of her deciding doubles matches in the last three days of competition.

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