India’s No.1 men’s singles player Sumit Nagal faces uncertainty ahead of Australia’s summer preparations after he was unexpectedly denied a visa to enter China. The 27-year-old was due to represent India at the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Playoff in Chengdu, an event that gives regional players direct entry into the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open. The setback now threatens to derail his plan and momentum leading into another Grand Slam season.
The Playoff in Chengdu, which runs from November 24 to 29, is a crucial opportunity for players like Nagal who are outside the top 100 of the ATP rankings. The Haryana-born player, currently ranked world No. 275, is dependent on qualifying rounds and wild card events to feature in major tournaments. The missed opportunity could have a direct impact on his chances of racing in Melbourne next January.
Nagal took to X (formerly Twitter) to post his challenge, tagging the Chinese ambassador to India and the spokesperson of the Chinese embassy.
(URGENTLY)
Respected @China_With_India and @ChinaSpox_India
I am Sumit Nagal, the number 1 Indian tennis player
I should be flying to China soon to represent India in the Australian Open playoffs. But my visa was rejected for no reason
Your urgent help would be greatly appreciated
— Sumit Nagal (@nagalsumit) November 11, 2025
“Dear @China_Amb_India and @ChinaSpox_India. I am Sumit Nagal, India’s No. 1 tennis player. I am scheduled to fly to China soon to represent India in the Australian Open playoffs. However, my visa has been denied without reason. Your urgent help would be greatly appreciated,” he wrote.
Neither the Chinese Embassy nor Tennis Australia, which is organizing the event in partnership with the Chinese Tennis Association, has yet issued an official statement. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has also remained silent on the matter.
Nagal has been India’s most consistent single artist in recent years. He made it into the main draw of the 2024 Australian Open where he stunned 25th seed Alexander Bublik and also made history as the first Indian to win a Masters 1000 match on clay in Monte Carlo.
With the clock ticking down to the Chengdu event, Nagal’s participation – and his trip to the 2026 Australian Open – hangs in the balance pending a decision by the Chinese authorities.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
November 11, 2025
