In a stunning display that’s sending ripples through the tennis world, 21-year-old Coleman Wong has become the first man from Hong Kong to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open era, demolishing American Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets at the 2025 US Open.
The world No. 173 dispatched Kovacevic—ranked a full 100 spots above him—with a clinical 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (4) victory that made history for Hong Kong tennis. Let that sink in: no male Hong Kong player had won a Grand Slam singles match since 1968.
“I’m still processing what just happened,” Wong told reporters after his breakthrough performance.
Wong’s journey to tennis stardom began unconventionally at age five on Victoria Park’s public courts when he filled in for his sister during a lesson. His development accelerated dramatically after relocating to Rafael Nadal’s prestigious academy in Mallorca at 17—a move that’s clearly paying dividends.
The Spanish legend himself reportedly texted congratulations to Wong after his landmark victory, adding extra validation to the young player’s accomplishment.
After multiple failed qualifying attempts at all four majors, Wong’s main-draw debut couldn’t have gone better. He now faces Australia’s Adam Walton in the second round, carrying not just his own dreams but the hopes of an entire tennis community that’s waited over five decades for this moment. Catch the highlights from the gripping game below:
Cover image via news.rthk.
