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Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha and Pruchya Isaro won the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff, earning a 2026 Australian Open men’s doubles main-draw spot.
Niki Poonacha’s qualification is a positive development for Indian tennis. (Picture Credit: IG/niki_kpoonacha)
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
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital…Read More
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital… Read More
November 28, 2025, 23:24 IST
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