New Delhi, Jan. 15 -- For the first time in several years, India will have no representation in either men's or women's singles draw at the Australian Open tennis tournament, the draw of which was announced on Thursday. The absence of Indian players in the singles of year's first Grand Slam speaks about the declining state of country's tennis, particularly in singles category.

Sumit Nagal, who was ousted in the first round of Australian Open in 2025, failed to make the Qualifying cut-off (around no.230). Although Nagal competed in Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff in 2025, the Indian exited in the quarterfinals. Nagal is currently ranked at 279.

Among women, Sahaja Yamalapalli, who is the highest-ranked Indian woman (367) at present, also d...