The Indian Fed cup tennis 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 at an ongoing tournament in Dubai.
Ankita last night pulled off a crucial singles win against talented Aldila Sutjiadi to lock the tie 1-1 while Rutuja Bhosale suffered a crushing defeat against Indonesian Priska Madelyn Nugroho. Rutuja lost 3-6, 6-0, 3-6 in the opening singles. Ankita, who lost her previous two singles, demolished the challenge of Sutjiadi 6-3, 6-3 in the second rubber. She then combined with seasoned Sania Mirza to beat Sutziyadi and Nugroho 7-6, 6-0 to seal India’s place in the play-offs where they will take on either Latvia or the Netherlands in April.
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 has remained in the regional group.