India's singles tennis spearhead Sumit Nagal will make his fifth appearance in a Grand Slam, having garnered a direct entry for the main draw of next year's Australian Open. (More Tennis News)

Nagal, ranked 98th in the world, figures in the entry list released by Tennis Australia on Friday (December 6, 2024). He had to go through the qualifying rounds in the competition's previous edition.

In the first round, Nagal had pulled off a landmark win over 31st seed Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in straight sets to become the first Indian player to beat a seeded player in the main draw in singles at a Major in 34 years. But Nagal's journey ended in the following round with a defeat to wild card Shang Juncheng of China.

Nagal's career maintained an upward trajectory when he became the 10th player from India to break into top 100 in ATP rankings.

Meanwhile, world No 1 and defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner is top seeded for the event, followed by Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz. Novak Djokovic is seeded seventh.

In women's singles, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is top seeded, followed by Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.

The first Grand Slam next year will be held from January 12 to 26 in Melbourne.

(With PTI inputs)