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Lars Hamer

Coleman Wong Chak-lam said reaching the main draw of a tennis grand slam tournament was only a matter of time after his landmark appearances in the Wimbledon and French Open preliminary rounds.
Wong last month became the first Hongkonger since the 1950s to play at Wimbledon, and was even cheered on by spectators from his hometown in southwest London. But defeat by Zachary Svajda of the United States in the qualifying competition left him still longing to reach the first round proper.
On Saturday, Wong met fans at Hong Kong’s Victoria Park, where he learned to play tennis, and his ambition remained undimmed.
“Hopefully soon,” Wong said after being asked when he might be a fully fledged grand-slam player.
“My level is there, it’s just a matter of time, and then to get a bit more mature to stay in the tournament,” he said.

“[Wimbledon] was great. It was not the result I wanted – I wanted to win a match at least – it’s not easy, but I think my time will come.”
Despite the result, Wong, who turned 20 last month, is riding the wave of a historic journey for Hong Kong tennis.
He is ranked 179 in the world, having reached a career-high of 166 on June 17. Before being the city’s first representative at Wimbledon in 70 years, Wong made his major championship debut – also a first qualifying round defeat – at May’s French Open.
In March, he became the first Hongkonger to make it to the opening round of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
He has built up a strong following in his hometown and was greeted by hundreds of fans at Victoria Park while being unveiled as an ambassador for Chubb Life Hong Kong.
Admitting his surprise at his popularity, Wong said: “I feel really loved by Hong Kong fans. I really do feel grateful for this.”
When he stepped off the court at Wimbledon, Hong Kong fans were there to greet him.
“It was great, not playing in Hong Kong and you’ve got a bunch of fans cheering for you, hearing them shout ‘ga yau’ [words of encouragement meaning ‘add oil’],” Wong said. “It means a lot.”
Off the court, Wong is dating Filipino tennis player Alexandra Eala and has become friends with South Korean player Nam Ji-sung, who “takes me and my coach everywhere” when they visit his country.
It helps negotiate the sometimes lonely world of singles tennis. Wong had success in doubles during his junior career, winning majors at the Australian Open and US Open, but revealed he was now focused on going solo.
“I want to be a singles player,” he said. “Doubles is a help, because when I win matches, I can stay in the tournament, I can have more training and that helps me a lot.”
Wong is keeping the tournaments coming thick and fast to accumulate ranking points, and will be back on the road next week for the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, an ATP 250 tournament in Newport, in the US.
“I want to be in the top 100 by the end of the year,” he said.


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ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals)

Wimbledon 2024: Coleman Wong eyes later stages of grand slams, with Hong Kong fans’ help

Coleman Wong also said he saw his future being in singles rather than doubles. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Coleman Wong shows off his shots during the meet-and-greet at Victoria Park. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Wimbledon history-maker Coleman Wong wants to inspire Hongkongers to choose tennis careers

Coleman Wong was in upbeat mood after playing in Wimbledon qualifying. Photo: AFP

Wong has climbed 305 places in the world rankings over the past eight months. Photo: AFP

Coleman Wong is aiming to help boost tennis’ profile in Hong Kong. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

French Open qualifying: Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong falls at first hurdle, but hails ‘great experience’ at Roland Garros

Coleman Wong lost in straight sets in the first round of French Open qualifying. Photo: Getty Images

Spain’s Rafael Nadal takes part in a practice session ahead of the French Open on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros. Photo: AFP

Miami Open: Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong ‘enjoying every minute’ of history-making run at ATP event

Coleman Wong’s performances in Miami should see him rise to 188th in the world when the rankings are updated on Monday. Photo: Getty Images

Coleman Wong will take on Laslo Djere in the first round of the Miami Open. Photo: Xinhua

Zheng Qinwen is among the China players looking to continue a good run of form in Miami. Photo: AP

Sport

Tennis

Reaching main draw of a grand slam is ‘just a matter of time’ after being first Hongkonger to appear at Wimbledon in 70 years


Reaching main draw of a grand slam is ‘just a matter of time’ after being first Hongkonger to appear at Wimbledon in 70 years.


Hong Kong Tennis Association (HKTA)

Wimbledon