Shrivalli wins Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award, eyes Grand Slams

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty wins the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award for Asia/Oceania, becoming the third Indian to do so. She now targets top-200 WTA ranking and Grand Slam qualification

Hyderabad: For Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, it is yet another moment of joy to celebrate with all those who helped her script some of the most memorable moments in her tennis career.

The 23-year-old Hyderabadi has been named the recipient of the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award for the Asia/Oceania Group I this year, for her outstanding consistency on debut for the senior India women’s team in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune this April. She won all her five singles matches, including three against higher-ranked players.

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That brilliant effort by Shrivalli helped India qualify for the play-offs of the Cup, to be played in November this year, with the venue yet to be decided.
Incidentally, the gifted tennis player from Hyderabad has now become only the third Indian to receive this award, after six-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza and former India No.1 Ankita Raina.

“Well, I am truly honoured to get this award, which means a lot. But again, I feel this is an award for the entire team — my teammates, support staff, and everyone who helped India script those winning moments,” Shrivalli said in a chat with Telangana Today. “This is certainly not for an individual, for sure,” she added.
“And there is some prize money with the award, which can be given to any charity of my choice,” she said.

Significantly, this award comes just as she is training ahead of the US circuit later this month, where Shrivalli will be playing in a few major tournaments. She is grateful to Lakshya Foundation and Phoenix for their support.

“My current WTA ranking is 300, and the immediate target is to break into the top 200 and play in a few Grand Slams,” said the India No.1 tennis player.
“Definitely, learning is an ongoing process. I am really working hard on the mental and physical aspects to last longer on the court and fine-tuning my skills,” Shrivalli said.

Like many of her contemporaries in Indian sport, Shrivalli is mostly accompanied either by a travelling coach for some tournaments or by her father B R N Prasad on the circuit.

“Right now, I am enjoying my game and hope to keep improving and, more importantly, keep winning major titles,” signed off a confident Shrivalli.