Pune: The Indian women’s tennis team, initially led by its younger members, ultimately saw its seasoned players deliver the decisive victory. Those waiting on the sidelines gradually moved closer to the players' area, filled with anticipation as 31-year-old Prarthana Thombare and 32-year-old Ankita Raina approached match point in the crucial rubber of the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie against South Korea in the Billie Jean King Cup.

As Thombare's forehand winner struck the backboard, the entire squad—including the coach, captain, players, and physios—rushed onto the center court of the Balewadi Tennis Stadium in Pune. This victory marked India's advancement to the playoff stage of this prestigious women's team event for only the second time.

Throughout the past week, the Indian team faced New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, and Korea in a round-robin format, with only the top two teams advancing to the playoffs. Their only defeat came against New Zealand, the other team that qualified.

Team captain Vishal Uppal had previously remarked on the remarkable “depth in singles” this group of players offered, and they fully capitalized on it.

When Sahaja Yamalapalli sustained an injury, Vaidehi Chaudhari stepped up, securing two crucial victories. Additionally, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty emerged as a key contributor, winning all five matches she participated in throughout the week, including a comeback victory that set the tone for India on Saturday.

The Hyderabad player triumphed over Sohyun Park with a score of 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(5) in the day's opening match, but Sahaja subsequently fell to Dayeon Back 6-3, 6-4, leveling the tie at 1-1.

The contest between the two nations essentially served as a shootout for the final playoff position, placing the onus on Raina and Thombare to clinch the win.

The pair has experienced a mix of performances this week, suffering defeats in three doubles matches. However, on Friday, they showcased a more aggressive and purposeful approach. Raina demonstrated strength from the baseline, while Thombare exhibited agility and speed at the net. They engaged in rallies, executed moonballs, delivered powerful smashes, volleyed effectively, and secured decisive winners, ultimately clinching the match with a score of 6-4, 6-3 against Park and Dabin Kim.

During the post-match celebrations on the court, Uppal conveyed a significant message to the audience. “Your girls possess immense potential,” he stated. “Support your girls.” What he had referred to as ‘Project Playoffs’ for his team at the beginning of the week has now come to fruition.

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