India, Sept. 3 -- A fortnight ago, Buyunchaokete, who goes by Bu Yunchaokete or simply Bu on the professional tennis tour, lost in the first round of an ATP Challenger in Canada. Last week, the Chinese won the first two rounds and lost the last in the qualifying event for the US Open.

That was on Friday. Bu had his tickets booked for Wednesday to leave the season-ending Grand Slam and return to professional tennis' second tier, where hundreds in his ranking bracket grind for a living.

The world No.124 had entered as the last man in the lucky losers' list. Lucky losers - players who lose in the final qualifying round may apply to fill in for last-minute main draw withdrawals - have to sign in each day on the morning of first-round matche...