Sumit Nagal secured a Chinese visa to compete in the Australian Open’s Asia-Pacific wildcard playoff in Chengdu from November 24 to 29.
The Indian tennis star overcame an earlier rejection after appealing to authorities.
Nagal, India’s top-ranked male player, reached out to Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong and the Chinese embassy through social media on Tuesday. He requested urgent intervention after his visa application was denied. On Thursday night, Nagal confirmed approval and expressed gratitude to the ambassador, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and other officials. “A big thank you for their prompt help in helping me secure the visa in time,” he wrote.
The 28-year-old owns a career-high singles ranking of 68, achieved in July 2024. His current ranking stands at 290. Nagal has represented India in the Davis Cup since 2018. Earlier this year, he lost in the first round of the Australian Open and failed to qualify for the French Open and Wimbledon. He previously won the 2015 Wimbledon boys’ doubles title with Vietnam’s Ly Hoang Nam, becoming the sixth Indian to claim a junior Grand Slam crown.
The Asia-Pacific playoff features 16 players in men’s and women’s singles and 12 doubles teams. Winners earn entry into the 2026 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, scheduled to begin on January 18 in Melbourne.
Nagal’s participation in Chengdu offers him another chance to secure a main-draw spot. His appeal’s success highlights the importance of timely diplomatic support for athletes facing administrative hurdles.
