Coleman Wong has etched his name into Hong Kong sports history with a breakthrough performance at the U.S. Open. The 21-year-old became the first man from the city to reach a Grand Slam main draw and, even more remarkably, the first to win a singles match in the Open era.

His straight-sets victory over American Aleksandar Kovacevic at Flushing Meadows marked a milestone moment, with Wong later admitting he was “still soaking it in” and grateful for the support of his family and hometown fans.

Wong’s journey began at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, where he started training at just five years old, before moving to Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca at 17 – a journey that came full circle, as Nadal himself sent a personal congratulatory message. The win also underscored the growing success of players who have come through the Spanish academy’s ranks.

“I just need to keep believing,” Wong said. “Tennis is one of the toughest sports, but I know I can do it.”