India’s top singles star Sumit Nagal is through to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off, shaking off a flat opening set to beat China’s Minghui Zhang 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 in Chengdu
on Tuesday.
Seeded sixth, Nagal looked off rhythm early but flipped the match on its head with a flawless second set and a commanding third, sealing his place in the last eight.
The Chengdu event, held from November 24–29 at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre, offers its men’s and women’s champions a coveted wild card into the 2026 Australian Open main draw.
Nagal’s campaign almost didn’t happen — his visa application to China was initially rejected, forcing him to publicly appeal for intervention.
The matter was eventually resolved, clearing the way for his arrival.
Up next, Nagal will face the winner of the clash between top seed Bu Yunchaokete and Zijiang Yang.
(with PTI inputs)
