Niki Poonacha's Grand Slam Breakthrough: Wildcard Entry to Australian Open

India's Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha achieved a career milestone by winning the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff alongside Thailand's Pruchya Isaro, securing a main-draw wildcard for the 2026 Australian Open men's doubles. This accomplishment marks Poonacha's Grand Slam main-draw debut and a significant step in his tennis career.

Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, a 30-year-old Indian tennis player, attained a major career milestone on Friday after earning a wildcard entry into the 2026 Australian Open men's doubles.

Poonacha, alongside Pruchya Isaro from Thailand, won the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff, triumphing over the Japanese pair, Seita Kusuhara and Katsuki Nakagawa, in the final.

This victory grants Poonacha his Grand Slam main-draw debut, an achievement marking a significant leap for a player primarily competing in ATP Challenger and ITF events. The Australian Open kicks off on January 12.

(With inputs from agencies.)