Yuki Bhambri Leads India's Australian Open 2026 Doubles Charge Amid Singles Absence
Yuki Bhambri will spearhead the Indian challenge at the Australian Open 2026. The draw announcement on Thursday revealed a stark reality for Indian tennis. For the first time in several years, India will have no representation in either the men's or women's singles draw at this Grand Slam tournament.
Singles Draw Sees No Indian Players
The absence of Indian players in the singles category of the year's first Grand Slam speaks volumes about the declining state of the country's tennis, particularly in singles. Sumit Nagal, who was ousted in the first round of the Australian Open in 2025, failed to make the qualifying cut-off, which is around world number 230.
Nagal competed in the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff in 2025 but exited in the quarterfinals. He is currently ranked 279 in the world. Among women, Sahaja Yamalapalli, the highest-ranked Indian woman at 367, also did not meet the qualifying cut-off threshold.
Strong Doubles Representation for India
However, India will have a strong presence in doubles at the Australian Open 2026. Yuki Bhambri headlines the small contingent. Currently ranked 21 in the world in doubles, Bhambri will pair up with Sweden's André Göransson in men's doubles. The pair has been seeded 10th.
The Bhambri-Göransson duo recently reached the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland. Also making his Grand Slam main-draw debut is Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha. He secured a wildcard entry after winning the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff in November 2025.
Poonacha will partner with Thailand's Pruchya Isaro. Players like N. Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli are likely to compete in men's doubles with their respective partners. A confirmation is still awaited for their participation.
No Rohan Bopanna at Australian Open
For the first time in several years, the Australian Open will not feature legendary Rohan Bopanna. The Indian retired from tennis in 2025. Bopanna had won the men's doubles title at the Australian Open in 2024, marking a significant achievement for Indian tennis.
Indians at Australian Open 2026: A Quick Overview
Men's Singles: None. Sumit Nagal did not qualify.
Women's Singles: None. Sahaja Yamalapalli did not meet the qualification cut-off.
Men's Doubles:
- Niki Poonacha/Pruchya Isaro: Qualified as wildcard winners.
- Yuki Bhambri/André Göransson: Confirmed with direct entry and seeded.
- N Sriram Balaji & Rithvik Bollipalli: Likely participants, pending final draw confirmation.
The Australian Open 2026 highlights both the challenges and opportunities for Indian tennis. While the singles absence is concerning, the doubles contingent led by Yuki Bhambri offers hope for Indian fans. The tournament will test the mettle of these players on one of tennis's biggest stages.
