Coleman Wong was still “soaking in” turning into the first male participant from Hong Kong to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open period when his telephone flashed with a congratulatory message from Rafael Nadal.
The 21-year-old qualifier had just crushed Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-5 7-5 7-6 (7-4) to secure his own slice of tennis historical past.
Wong, who began taking part in tennis at the age of 5, moved to Nadal’s Mallorca academy in Spain at the age of 17.
“I’m still soaking it in because it’s a big moment for me and also my family, and Hong Kong people back home. It means a lot,” said Wong.
But Nadal will not be the only one sending Wong a congratulatory message.
It was in Spain that Wong met fellow historical past maker Alexandra Eala, who on Sunday turned the first Filipino in the Open period to win a Grand Slam singles match.
“Alex helped me a lot to get used to the environment because she was there for a long time,” said Wong.
“I’d never been to Spain before, and I barely go to Europe before. So from being a little kid from Hong Kong all the way to Spain, it’s tough.”
The Open period refers to any time after 1968, when Grand Slams allowed skilled gamers to compete alongside amateurs.
Wong will face Australia’s Adam Walton in the next spherical.
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