India’s Sumit Nagal has secured a direct entry into the Australian Open 2025 men’s singles main draw. Last time out, after the All India Tennis Association (AITA) denied him a wild card entry, he won all three matches in the qualifiers, after which he defeated 31st seed Alexander Bublik in the first round.
The youngster had become the first Indian in 35 years to beat a seeded player in majors since Ramesh Krishnan beat Mats Wilander at the 1989 Australian Open.
Nagal, however, failed to advance to the third round after losing to Shang Juncheng of China. But he continued his decent form and became the tenth Indian player to enter the top 100 of the ATP rankings. Currently ranked No. 98 in the world, Nagal will look to go beyond the opening round in the next edition of the cement tournament.
Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios is returning to the Grand Slams after last playing at the 2022 US Open, where he made it to the quarters. He also finished second at Wimbledon 2022 after losing to Novak Djokovic in the final.
Over the past 24 months, Kyrgios has had knee, wrist and foot injuries, which have prevented him from playing much tennis.
He is there in the main draw with a protected ranking of No. 21. The 29-year-old is also set to play in the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi and the Brisbane International before taking part in the Australian Open. Belinda Bencic, who won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has also entered through a protected ranking in the women’s singles.
Bencic returned after the birth of her daughter Bella in April. Kyrgios and Bencic are among 12 players (six men and six women) to enter the main draw via protected ranking. The Australian Open 2025 men’s and women’s singles main draw will begin on 12 January.
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