New York – Even at 21 years old, historic importance was not lost in Coleman Wong. He wasn’t the only one to be excited to win his first main draw singles match in the Grand Slam tournament.
Wong was well aware that his first round victory at the US Open on Monday made him the first male player to win a Grand Slam singles match since the opening era began in 1968.
“It’s a huge moment to go back to me and my family, the people of Hong Kong and the house,” Wong said. “That means a lot.”
Wong defeated American Alexander Kovasevic in straight sets 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (4). After a shortage of two qualifying rounds, the Flushing Meadows, the Australian Open, and the Wimbledon and the French Open, he didn’t even check to read the text messages he received from Rafael Nadal, so he wanted to soak up the moment.
“I think I need to reply to him right away,” Wong said.
Nadal is Wong’s idol, but he also invested in his fledgling career due to the role played by the 22 Grand Slam winners. Wong’s family moved to Spain and was able to train at Rafa Nadal Academy.
One is with Alexandra Eerra. He became the first woman to represent the Philippines to win a Grand Slam match at the US Open on Sunday. Wong witnessed it firsthand, and Yila was on the court side for his historic moment within 24 hours.
“We’ll celebrate together,” Wong said. “For me and Alex, we’re doing something no one has done that. We’re really happy with each other.”
Wong and Yila are among the players of the country that is less well known for tennis, which stands out at the US open. Renata Zarazua, the only entrant from Mexico, upset sixth seed Madison Keys, and Janis Tsen won his first singles victory in his first Grand Slam tournament in 22 years by an Indonesian player.
“Undoubtedly, tennis is a little more popular and more global,” Zarazua said.
Ranked 173rd on the ATP Tour, Wong stole the spotlight before, not at this level. He was defeated by Australia’s Adam Walton after beating now sixth place Ben Shelton on Miami’s hard court in March.
Next up at the US opening? Walton, of course.
“I can’t wait,” Wong said. “I’m already excited about it, so let’s go. I’m going to all in.”
Going 1-0 with his first major appearance was not satisfied for Wong. Wong first got a racket and gave tennis at age 5, while running the tracks and playing soccer from his childhood.
He is the child of a principal and a mathematics and physical education teacher, and with his sister Elena working at the bank, he embraces the pressure to be in a grand slam.
“This tournament is a tennis player’s dream,” Wong said. “For tennis players, you want to play at this stage, and this is where I want to be. I have thought about this many times when I was younger, seeing myself fighting Rafa.
