India’s No. 1 men’s singles tennis player, Sumit Nagal, has had his Chinese visa rejected without explanation, raising doubts over his participation in the Australian Open Asia‑Pacific Wildcard Play‑off.
The tournament will be held in Chengdu from November 24–29, 2025, offering players from the region a chance to secure a main-draw spot at the 2026 Australian Open.
Nagal, ranked No. 275 on the ATP list, posted on social media appealing to the Chinese Ambassador and embassy officials for urgent help, stating that the visa rejection threatens his ability to compete.
No official response has been issued yet by the Chinese Embassy, the All India Tennis Association (AITA), or Tennis Australia. Missing the play‑off could affect Nagal’s chances to return to Grand Slam main draws next season.
The 27-year-old player from Haryana has previously been in the ATP top 100 and has represented India in international tournaments, including the Australian Open in 2024.
With the play‑off just weeks away, Nagal awaits his travel premit that would allow him to chase his Grand Slam ambitions.
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