Coleman Wong made history at the US Open on Monday, becoming the first man from Hong Kong to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open era. He defeated Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-5, 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) in straight sets.
The win was another triumph for tennis players who train at Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca: Wong’s close friend Alexandra Eala had become the first player from the Philippines to win a Grand Slam singles match in her opening round on Sunday.
“I’m still soaking it in, because it’s a big moment for me and also my family, and Hong Kong people back home. It means a lot,” Wong said, shortly after his win, revealing that he had already received a congratulatory text message from Spanish legend Nadal.
It is interesting to note how Wong was destined to become a tennis player. He was five when he first picked up a racket. His sister was ill and unable to attend a lesson at Hong Kong’s Victoria Park tennis courts. He took his sister’s place and has gone to script his name in the history books.
Coleman Wong trained at the Hong Kong Sports Institute at Sha Tin, before moving to Nadal’s academy at the age of 17.
His transition from Asia to Europe was aided by fellow Nadal student Eala, who was at courtside on Monday to watch Wong’s victory.
Read More
“At first, it was tough because it was Covid times when I moved over there,” Wong said of his move to Spain.
“Alex helped me a lot to get used to the environment because she was there for a long time. It took me, I think, a year to to adjust. I’d never been to Spain before, and I barely go to Europe before. So from being a little kid from Hong Kong all the way to Spain, it’s tough.”
Coleman Wong came under the limelight earlier this year, defeating American Ben Shelton- seeded six in New York- in the second round of the Miami Open Masters event.
Read More
Also Read: Rise Of Alexandra Eala, Philippines’s History Maker In Tennis
Since then, the 21-year-old has struggled to make much progress at ATP level, mostly exiting in qualifying rounds at events, including the French Open and Wimbledon.
“To be honest, it’s not easy. I mean, everyone have their ups and downs, especially tennis players,” Wong said. “Tennis is one of the toughest sports. I think I don’t know when I’m going to break through. I just need to keep believing.”
“I need to keep believing, and I know I can do it,” he said. “I just want to keep going, and let’s see how deep I can go.”
