Billie Jean King Cup 2023: India lost to Japan, suffer second consecutive defeat

They were beaten by China a day earlier by the same margin.

India suffered its second consecutive loss at the Billie Jean King Cup 2023 Asia/Oceania Group I after losing 0-3 against Japan on Friday (April 14). Having started the tournament on a positive note with two wins, India were whitewashed by China and Japan (both are strong sides and have players ranked inside WTA 50 in singles or doubles) on consecutive nights.

With the loss to Japan, India's chances of qualifying for the playoffs of the Billie Jean King Cup look slim. They play South Korea in the last group-stage match. South Korea, India, and Thailand are tied on five wins and seven losses each. The two teams that win on the final day will remain in Group I, while the other team will be relegated to Group II (Uzbekistan, the other team in the group, have already been relegated) of the Billie Jean King Cup.

The third highest-ranked singles player from India, Rutuja Bhosale lost her third match in the tournament. The 27-year-old lost to Hontama Mai in straight sets (0-6, 1-6). Rutuja could win only one game across two sets showing the dominance of the Japanese team. The 404th-ranked Indian needs to put up a fight against South Korea for India to stay in Group I.

Ankita Raina showed good resilience but couldn't carry the momentum into the finishing stages suffering a defeat against Moyuka Uchijima (2-6, 7-5, 3-6) ranked 128th in the WTA singles rankings. The 30-year-old was the only player to win a set in the past two days.

Vaidhehi Chaudhari partnered with a new partner Sahaja Yamalapalli today but couldn't change the fortunes losing the last game to Eri Hozumi / Shuko Aoyama (3-6, 4-6) in straight sets.

Billie Jean King Cup Day 5: Results

Rutuja Bhosale lost to Hontama Mai (0-6, 1-6)

Ankita Raina lost to Moyuka Uchijima (2-6, 7-5, 3-6)

Vaidehi Chaudhari/Sahaja Yamalapalli vs Eri Hozumi / Shuko Aoyama (3-6, 4-6)