Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty is one of the most talented Indian tennis players and at just 23 years old, she holds the 330th spot in the WTA singles rankings as of May 26, 2025. Well, her success comes from loads of hard work, strong self-belief, and endless effort. And in an exclusive interview with Hauterrfly, she opened up about earning the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award, her tips for staying tough in the mind, teaming up with coach A.R. Anand Kumar, and other insights. So, read on!
1. Winning the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award in 2025 must have been a huge moment, as it put you alongside stars like Sania Mirza and Ankita Raina. How has it changed the way you see your role in Indian tennis?
A: Winning the Heart Award was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. To be recognised alongside players like Sania Mirza and Ankita Raina—who paved the way for Indian women in tennis—was truly humbling. It also changed how I see my role. I now feel a greater sense of responsibility, not just to perform on court, but also to inspire and support the next generation of girls who want to take up tennis.
2. You won all five of your singles matches in your Billie Jean King Cup debut. How did you prepare mentally to stay so strong under the pressure of international matches?
A: Playing for your country brings a different kind of pressure—it’s not just about you; it’s about the team and the nation you represent. I worked a lot on staying present, focusing only on one point at a time instead of thinking about the outcome. My training gave me the confidence that I was prepared, and that trust in myself helped me stay calm and deliver in high-pressure moments. Also all of this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the captain, coach, team members, physios and the entire crowd who have backed me on every point.
3. You gave your Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award prize money to Vaidehi Seva Samithi to help girls in need. What motivated you to do this, and how do you want to keep supporting your community in the future?
A: That decision came from the heart. Growing up, I’ve seen how difficult it can be for girls without proper resources or support to chase their dreams. By donating the prize money to Vaidehi Seva Samithi, I wanted to give back in a small way and create opportunities for those girls. Going forward, I want to keep using my platform as an athlete to support education and sport at the grassroots level, so more girls feel empowered to follow their passion.
4. Working with coach A. R. Anand Kumar and mentor Vishal Uppal must have helped you grow as a player. Can you share a specific tip or moment from them that changed how you play or think?
A: Both have been incredibly important in my journey. Vishal Uppal has always emphasised the importance of staying positive—whether you’re winning or losing—because your mindset often decides the outcome more than your strokes do. That perspective really helped me during tense matches. Coach Anand Kumar, on the other hand, has helped me with my serve, which is one of my biggest weapons, and constantly reminds me to back my shots and play with conviction. That simple advice has given me the confidence to trust my game in critical moments. Together, they’ve shaped both my mentality and my approach on court.