Kai Thompson savored his first ATP Tour experience even if he fell short against American Emilio Nava.
Thompson, Hong Kong’s top under-18 player, was beaten 6-3, 6-2 in first-round qualifying by world number 88 Nava, denying him the opportunity to join Coleman Wong Chak-lam in the main draw of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open.
Playing in his first-ever ATP tournament, the upcoming star did not let the occasion get the better of him and showed his promise in front of a packed Court One at the Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court.
Thompson has been steadily improving over the past 12 months and finished the year with a bronze medal in the 15th National Games Youth Team competition for Hong Kong and a win at a claycourt tournament in Taiwan.
"Incredible experience to be playing against a top-100 ATP player. It’s my first time so I was quite excited, but definitely nervous. I just tried to keep as cool as I could, just try to keep playing point by point and just be in the moment. It was a great experience overall, I heard everyone cheering for me, and it was amazing. It’s my first ATP at home, so I couldn’t ask for more.”
The 17-year-old Thompson will partner China’s Zhou Yi in the doubles main draw in the last match on Centre Court tonight.
Wong, meanwhile, will face Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the first round of singles tomorrow.
