India, Nov. 11 -- At the close of a rough 2025 season for Sumit Nagal, preparation has begun to be ready for the next year. Those plans, however, have hit an unexpected snag after his application for a Chinese visa was rejected, without any reason being given.

The 28-year-old India No.1 has received a direct entry to compete at the 2026 Australian Open Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff - a tournament in which the winner is granted direct entry into the main draw of next season's first Grand Slam.

The Playoff event is scheduled to begin in Chengdu on November 24.

"I applied last week, on Monday. I'm supposed to fly to Dubai on Friday to practice for a few days, and then travel to China on November 21," Nagal told Hindustan Times.

"I applie...