India face an uphill process in opposition to Latvia in Billie Jean King Cup play-offs

The Indian gamers have an onerous process at hand to compete in opposition to higher-ranked Latvians, together with 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, after they attempt to clear the World Group Play-offs hurdle on the Billie Jean King Cup, right here from Friday.
By her personal admission, Ankita Raina performs her finest tennis at this occasion, previously generally known as Fed Cup, and India would once more anticipate her to punch above her weight when she takes on Ostapenko within the tie-opening match of the Play-offs the place India are competing for the primary time.
Though odds are in opposition to them, what could go in favour of the Indians is that the tie will probably be performed on indoor laborious courtroom because the Latvians surprisingly didn’t select clay courts, extra suited to their gamers, and the absence of crowd help for the hosts.
Ankita (ranked 174) and Karman Kaur Thandi (ranked 621), who takes on host primary participant Anastasija Sevastova (ranked 47), each stated they’re prepared for a very good battle.
Ankita performed in opposition to Sevastova means again in 2015 at dwelling in Ahmedabad, shedding an ITF ultimate to her. Their journeys have been contrasting since then with Sevastova moving into top-50 with a crushing backhand.
She even beat Serena Williams when Latvia performed in opposition to US in 2020 Fed Cup Qualifiers.
“We mostly play on hard courts, so I am ready and excited for it. I give my best when I represent my country, I am more than ready,” Ankita stated at a digital press convention.

“Go for it!” 🙌
A message from a sure @BillieJeanKing forward of play-off motion#BJKCup pic.twitter.com/4mLJXwwUkA
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) April 15, 2021
Karman, who’s making a comeback after an damage lay-off, stated she is bodily ready for the massive problem.
“Fast or slow, it does not matter, both Ankita and I prefer hard courts. It’s a good opportunity for us,” she stated.
Asked why he selected Karman over higher-ranked Rutuja Bhosale (419), captain Vishal Uppal stated he has passed by his “gut feeling”.
“All my five players have worked hard. I felt Karman can give us some extra on day one. I have gone with my gut,” he stated.
Sevastova stated she is aware of Ankita nicely however watched just a few Youtube movies of Karman to get an thought about her sport.
“I watched for fun,” she stated jokingly.
“I watched to know what are her weapons or weakness. It’s one thing to watch a video and different in real life. You know more when you are on court.”
She performed on clay courtroom lately however stated switching to laborious courtroom received’t be a problem. She admitted that the floor would swimsuit the Indians extra.
Uppal felt the absence of crowd will work in India’s favour.
“We have got to this stage (Play-offs) for the first time. The good thing is, there won’t be 5-7 thousand fans screaming at us but at the same time it takes the fun away. Ranking go out of window in Bille Jean King Cup.”