Sumit Nagal makes winning start at Australian Open wild card play-off

India's premier singles player, Sumit Nagal, progressed to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off after recovering from a set down against China's Minghui Zhang in Chengdu, China, on Tuesday.

The sixth seed regained control of the match after a slow start against the local favourite. After losing the first set 2-6, Nagal roared back to form and dominantly won the next two sets to secure a 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 win.

The Chengdu event, which is scheduled to run from November 24-29 at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre, provides an opportunity for the men's and women's singles winners a wild-card entry into the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open.

Nagal's path to the qualifying tournament has been full of hindrances. His entry in the event was in major doubt due to visa uncertainty. Nagal's initial application to enter China was rejected, potentially jeopardising his participation. However, his visa was approved following a public appeal to Chinese officials. Following the appeal, the visa issue was resolved, and he was cleared to travel.

[URGENT]

Respected @China_Amb_India and @ChinaSpox_India.

I am Sumit Nagal, India’s No.1 Tennis player

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 Indian star's next opponent will be the winner of the match between top-seeded Bu Yunchaokete and Zijiang Yang in the quarter-finals.

Nagal has fond memories of the Australian Open. He became the first Indian male player in 35 years to defeat a seeded opponent in a Grand Slam by edging past Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open 2024. His biggest achievement in a Grand Slam is reaching the second round of both the 2020 US Open and the 2024 Australian Open.