Hong Kong’s rising tennis star Coleman Wong first picked up a racquet at age five, almost by accident. One session later, he was hooked.
Fast forward to this year’s US Open, the 21-year-old made history by becoming the first Hong Kong man ever to win a Grand Slam singles match. (Cody Wong Hong-yi became the first Hong Kong female player to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam singles event when she made the last eight at the Australian Open girls’ singles in 2020, and also reached the semifinals of US Open girls’ doubles and quarterfinals at the French Open girls’ doubles – all in junior Grand Slam tournaments)
[See more: Here’s how Macao’s athletes are preparing for the National Games of China]
At the US tournament, Coleman Wong opened with a straight-sets victory over American Aleksandar Kovacevic, followed it up with another impressive win against Australia’s Adam Walton, and then faced world No. 15 Andrey Rublev in the third round. Though he bowed out, his run electrified fans back home and showed the tennis world that Hong Kong can produce elite-level talent in the men’s game as well as the women’s.
Coleman Wong took time off his busy schedule to speak to Macao News about his US Open breakthrough, how he started playing tennis and his future goals.
How did it feel to become the first Hong Kong man to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open Era?
It means a lot, especially to me, but also to people from Hong Kong. Sometimes people don’t believe we can do it, and this shows them that.
What did your parents say about your US Open run?
They were there at the end. At first, we didn’t expect much and just took it match by match. Then they were like, “Try to go more, keep improving, see how it is.” That’s how I kept going.
You beat Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets, then Adam Walton in the second round. What clicked for you during those matches?
I focused on every shot and every stroke. It’s not easy to go through three sets with all the adrenaline and everything together. It was something I’d never experienced before, very new, but I stayed present point by point. Against Walton, I felt more comfortable after the first win and just kept building from there.
You then faced Andrey Rublev in the third round. What did you take away from that battle?
It was very important. I didn’t really believe I could compete with those guys. I thought they were untouchable. But playing them, I realised, “Okay, I’m pretty close.” Even though I lost, it gave me a lot of confidence.
What first drew you to tennis?
I started because of my sister. When I was young, I played different sports like football and track and field. One day, my sister got sick on the day of her private lesson. My parents asked if I’d step in, and I said, “Yeah, sure.” I tried it and fell in love. I was five. Then, when I was around eight or nine years old, I knew I wanted to go pro. I watched tennis every day and wanted to be there.
How did your game and mindset evolve from those early days?
Enjoying tennis is the most important thing. I love being on court, hitting rallies with anyone, feeling the ball, and when I start striking really well, I feel great. Just being on court is already a big thing for me.
You moved to Rafael Nadal’s Academy at 17. Why, and how did it shape you?
In Hong Kong, it’s tough to train with many different players. In Spain, there are so many more styles and levels to practice with, and that was the main reason. After Covid, it felt like the perfect time to go. I really enjoyed it there, and it helped my development.
What does it mean to carry the Hong Kong SAR flag on a big stage?
I’m representing Hong Kong, and I know a lot of people are supporting me. I can go out and enjoy the moment. It means I’m helping do things people thought we couldn’t do, which is even better.
After the US Open, what’s your next milestone?
Top 100. I’m close, around 140 after the US Open, so I just need to keep believing.
Your coach says you “make your presence felt” in practice. How do you take that into matches?
Every time I play, I’m focused on improving. This today, that tomorrow. There are so many things I need to get better at to keep climbing the rankings. I won’t take anything for granted. I’ve come a long way, but there’s much more ahead, and that excites me.
Toughest challenge you’ve overcome so far?
Starting again after Covid. It was a really tough time. I couldn’t play for a year and a half, and that hurt a lot. But I took it as a lesson: tennis can be taken away suddenly, so I need to treasure the moment.
Any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I never go on court hungry. I always bring something to eat. There’s no specific food, but there’s always something in my bag. I get hungry all the time [laughs].
Dream doubles partner, past or present?
Rafael Nadal.
Was he your idol growing up?
Yes.
Go-to meal after a tough match?
Asian food. Japanese, or anything with rice, or Hong Kong food. In Hong Kong, it’s usually barbecue pork with rice. I don’t know if it’s great for recovery, but it’s my favourite.
Your advice to younger athletes?
Commitment. Sometimes you won’t believe in yourself, I don’t always either, but keep going. If it were easy, everyone could do it. That’s the challenge: keep believing in yourself. It’s easy to say and tough to do. I have battles with myself all the time, but the most important thing is to keep going and not worry about losing. Your time will come. I always remind myself of that.
Biggest sacrifices along the way?
Family and friends. You won’t get much time because you’re travelling everywhere. Whenever I can, I try to do more and be with them. I’ve come a long way, but I know there’s still so much more ahead. My dream is to keep improving, to crack the top 100, and to inspire the next generation of Hong Kong players to believe they can do it too.
