Hearts swell for Hong Kong hero

Michael Shum and agencies

Hong Kong's Coleman Wong Chak-lam notched the biggest win of his tennis career, stunning 13th-seed Ben Shelton in the Miami Open, one of nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments featuring top-ranked players.

The 20-year-old wild card produced a gutsy performance from start to finish to prevail 7-6, 2-6 and 7-6, over Shelton, the third-ranked American who is No 14 in the ATP rankings.

The victory at the South Florida stadium court also makes Hong Kong's top tennis player, currently ranked 182 in the ATP rankings, to be the second-lowest ranked player to reach the Miami third round in 10 years.

"I always trust myself to play in these big stages I had a tough time [during] Covid times," Wong said in a post-match interview. "I didn't play for a year and a half and I'm really lucky my team keeps supporting me. I'm really happy. This is for you Hong Kong."

He also expressed gratitude to his parents, coaches and team, saying they "really helped me a lot - from highs and lows."

He added: "They know that I'm struggling and came in here, [it was] not easy. Playing against a guy like Ben, it's a dream [to do that], since when I was young. Playing big tournaments against top players, I'm really happy."

Former world No 1 Rafael Nadal, who retired from the tour last November, congratulated Wong, who was a student at Nadal's namesake tennis academy.

The Spanish legend said he has been watching the action "with vested interest."

On a post on social media X, he added: "There is a lot of effort behind these victories. We are very proud of you, Coleman! A historic win for Hong Kong."

Wong snapped Shelton's 14-match streak in opening-rounds at ATP Masters 1000 and Grand Slam events since the start of the 2024 season.

Despite letting a 5-2 third-set lead go, Wong regrouped and recovered with a clinical deciding-set tiebreak to become the first man representing Hong Kong to defeat a Top 20 player since the ATP rankings were published in 1973.

Wong's first-round win over Germany's Daniel Altmaier on Friday was historic as well, as he became the first player from Hong Kong to ever record a Masters 1000-level win.

He will next face world No 89 Adam Walton from Australia today in the round of 32.

Walton eased past Mikhail Kukushkin from Kazakhstan in the qualifiers on Tuesday, but despite being beaten by fellow Australian Tristan Schoolkate in two straight sets, he made the most of his last-minute lucky loser entry into the main draw.

He then fended off Italian Luciano Darderi in two straight sets 6-4, 6-4 to go ahead and march into the round of 32.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com