Coleman Wong Makes History at U.S. Open for Hong Kong

New York, Aug 26 (AP) The historical significance was not lost on Coleman Wong, even at 21 years old. Winning his first main draw singles match at a Grand Slam tournament wasn’t just a personal victory.

Wong’s first-round win at the U.S. Open on Monday marked a milestone. He became the first men's player from Hong Kong to win a Grand Slam singles match since the Open era began in 1968.

“It's a big moment for me and also my family, Hong Kong people here and back at home,” Wong reflected. “It means a lot.” He triumphed over American Aleksander Kovacevic in straight sets, winning 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (4).

Having fallen short in past qualifying attempts at Flushing Meadows, as well as at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the French Open, Wong was keen to soak in this victorious moment. So much so that he hadn’t yet replied to a text from Rafael Nadal.

"I guess I need to reply to him soon," Wong admitted.

Nadal, Wong's idol and significant influence, has had a role in Wong’s budding career. Wong’s family moved to Spain so he could train at the Rafa Nadal Academy, laying the groundwork for Wong’s success and even sparking newfound friendships.

One such friendship is with Alexandra Eala, who made history herself at the U.S. Open by becoming the first woman representing the Philippines to win a Grand Slam match. Wong watched Eala’s win firsthand, and she supported him courtside for his milestone match less than a day later.

“We celebrate together,” Wong said. “For me and Alex, we're doing things that nobody has done before. We're really happy for each other.”

Wong and Eala are examples of players from nations not traditionally known for tennis making waves at the U.S. Open. Renata Zarazua, the sole competitor from Mexico, upset sixth-seeded Madison Keys, and Janice Tjen achieved the first Grand Slam singles win by an Indonesian player in 22 years.

“Definitely, tennis is becoming a bit more, like, popular, more global,” said Zarazua.

Ranked 173rd on the ATP Tour, Wong has turned heads before, albeit not on this scale. He previously defeated Blake Shelton, now ranked No. 6, on hard court in Miami in March, before losing to Australia's Adam Walton.

Next up at the U.S. Open for Wong? Walton, naturally.

“I can't wait,” Wong said. “I'm already excited for it, so let's go. I'm going to go all-in.”

Though going 1-0 in his first major appearance is impressive, it isn’t enough for Wong, who began playing tennis at age 5 while also participating in track and soccer.

The child of educators — a headmaster and a math and physical education teacher — Wong dreams of Grand Slam glory. His sister Elena now works in banking, but for Wong, the court is where the heart is.

“This tournament, it's a tennis player's dream,” Wong said. “For a tennis player, you want to perform on a stage like this. This is where I want to be. I thought about this so many times when I was young watching Rafa battling. ... I just want to keep going and see what I can do here.” (AP)

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