China rejects India's star Tennis player Sumit Nagal's visa ahead of Australian Open playoff

India’s top-ranked tennis player Sumit Nagal has publicly appealed to Chinese authorities after his visa application to travel for the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off in Chengdu was rejected without explanation. The 27-year-old’s participation in the crucial event, which offers direct entry into the Australian Open 2026 main draw, now hangs in the balance.

Nagal took to X to raise the issue, tagging the Chinese Ambassador to India and the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, requesting “urgent help” to resolve the matter. “I am supposed to fly to China soon to represent India at the Australian Open playoff. But my visa was rejected without a reason,” Nagal wrote, describing himself as “India’s No.1 Tennis player” in his post.

The Indian star, currently ranked inside the ATP top 100, has been in strong form over the past two seasons, including a breakthrough win at the 2024 Australian Open where he defeated 25th seed Alexander Bublik. He also became the first Indian man to win a Masters 1000 match on clay at the Monte Carlo Masters last year, solidifying his position as the country’s leading singles player.

The playoff, scheduled in Chengdu from November 24 to 29, is a key qualifier event for Asia-Pacific players. However, without visa clearance, Nagal’s plans remain uncertain. So far, neither the Chinese Embassy nor Tennis Australia has issued a statement on the situation. For Nagal, missing the event could be a major setback as he aims to continue his Grand Slam momentum into 2026.