India’s Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha achieved a major milestone in his career on Friday, securing a main-draw wild card for the 2026 Australian Open men’s doubles. This opportunity comes after he, alongside Thailand’s Pruchya Isaro, claimed victory in the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff.
Poonacha and Isaro displayed consistent composure throughout the competition, ultimately winning their final match 6-4, 6-3 against the Japanese pair Seita Kusuhara and Katsuki Nakagawa, thereby earning their place at Melbourne Park.
For the 30-year-old Poonacha, this victory signifies a significant achievement, as it will be his debut in a Grand Slam main draw. Throughout his career, he has primarily competed in ATP Challenger and ITF circuits. Last year, he reached
a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 98 and has secured six Challenger doubles titles. This wildcard entry now provides him with a rare chance to compete at the highest level and challenge top-tier doubles teams.
Poonacha’s qualification is a positive development for Indian tennis, adding another promising player to the country’s strong tradition in Grand Slam doubles.
In the singles event of the regional play-off, Sumit Nagal reached the quarterfinals in a draw of 16 players but did not advance further.
The Australian Open is set to commence in Melbourne on January 12.
With PTI Inputs
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