Coleman Wong has made history for Hong Kong tennis by reaching the third round of the 2025 US Open men’s singles, as he is the first player from his country to do so. His professional journey started with his childhood love for the game and is now inspiring a new generation of Asian athletes.
Coleman Wong’s Childhood, Family, and Upbringing
Coleman Wong, born in 2004, comes from a family that has a deep background in education. His father, Bruce, is a primary school principal, and his mother, Dora, is a teacher.
His older sister, Elana, works in the banking industry. He attended Diocesan Boys’ School and later studied business at the University of Hong Kong.
“I am actually calling them with my coach’s phone just now to ask them if they can come over because I know my parents are difficult. They are headmaster and teacher, so they have school year starting in Hong Kong. But I think they’ll try their best,” he said, smiling, when asked about his parents’ US Open absence.
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Coleman’s tennis journey began by chance. Elana, who is two years older, was supposed to take a private tennis lesson but fell sick. Their parents didn’t want the session to go to waste, so five-year-old Coleman stepped in instead.
Coleman Wong’s Rise in Professional Tennis and Rafael Nadal’s Academy Involvement
Wong developed his formative tennis at Victoria Park in Hong Kong, and at just 12, he became the youngest winner of the South China Chairman’s Cup.
In 2018, he won the Orange Bowl under-14 singles event. When he was around 17 years old, his family decided to enroll him in the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca to support his career.
Wong’s time at the legend’s academy paid dividends as he won the boys’ doubles title at the 2021 US Open and followed it with a similar victory at the 2022 Australian Open. He became the first player since 2017 to win back-to-back Grand Slam boys’ doubles titles. That same year, he also reached the US Open boys’ singles semi-finals.
He has collected five singles and five doubles titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors. His highest junior ranking was No. 11, which he reached in October 2022.
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In October 2023, Wong became the first Hong Kong male player to reach Shenzhen’s final ATP Challenger main draw.
The 21-year-old’s ATP Tour debut came at the 2024 Hong Kong Tennis Open. By August 2024, he cracked the top 150. Next month, he picked up his first ATP Tour win as a qualifier at the Hangzhou Open.
Coleman’s Idols and Influence
Wong’s biggest idol is Rafael Nadal. The player admires him not just for his tennis but also for his humility off the court. Training at Nadal’s academy had a big impact on his game, and he often points to Nadal’s discipline and fighting spirit as his inspiration.
During an interview at the 2024 Busan Open Challenger Tour, Wong was asked how it feels to train under Nadal. He said, “It’s really special because you can train with Rafa. I mean, he’s my idol. I always feel so special to play with him as well and get to know him as a person. And he really gave me a few tips as well, sometimes during training or even off court when I meet him in the gym.”
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Nadal also praised Wong’s determination and the example he set for Asian players when he won against Ben Shelton at the 2025 Miami Open. The Spaniard tweeted, “There is a lot of effort behind these victories. We are very proud of you, Coleman! A historic win for Hong Kong.”
There is a lot of effort behind these victories. We are very proud of you, Coleman! ☺️ A historic win for Hong Kong 👏🏻 https://t.co/3XtlJkiy0P
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 22, 2025
Coleman’s US Open 2025 Campaign
2025 has been a milestone year for the rising star. After almost qualifying for the Australian Open main draw, Wong became the first player from Hong Kong to qualify for the main draw of the US Open in the Open Era.
His Masters 1000 breakthrough came earlier this year at the Miami Open, where he beat Daniel Altmaier and Ben Shelton to reach the third round. Here he was defeated by Australia’s Adam Walton.
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In the first round of the US Open, he beat American Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(4). Then he sought revenge against Walton 7-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. He now faces World No. 15 Andrey Rublev, stepping in as the underdog.
