Indian tennis sensation Sumit Nagal has reached out to Chinese authorities after his visa application was unexpectedly rejected, preventing him from participating in the Australian Open wild-card playoff tournament in Chengdu, China. The event, scheduled from November 24 to 29, serves as a crucial pathway for players to secure a spot in the first Grand Slam of the year. Nagal, India’s top-ranked male player, took to social media to seek intervention from the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, and the Chinese embassy. In his plea, Nagal expressed his frustration, stating, ‘I am supposed to fly to China soon to represent India at the Australian Open playoff, but my visa was rejected without reason. Your urgent help would be much appreciated.’ The 28-year-old athlete, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of 68 in July 2024, is currently ranked 290th globally. His career highlights include winning the 2015 Wimbledon boys’ doubles title and taking the opening set against tennis legend Roger Federer in the 2019 U.S. Open. The Australian Open officials have yet to comment on the situation. This incident comes amid improving diplomatic relations between India and China, including the recent resumption of direct flights between the two nations after a five-year hiatus. The Asia-Pacific wild-card playoff, held at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre, features 16 players in men’s and women’s singles and 12 teams in doubles. Last year’s edition saw Chinese player Zhang Shuai and Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej secure spots in the 2025 Australian Open main draw.
India’s Sumit Nagal appeals to Chinese officials after visa denied for Grand Slam tennis qualifier
