Pressure-free Wong relishing US Open adventure / Photo: AL BELLO - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Pressure-free Wong relishing US Open adventure
Hong Kong player Coleman Wong says he's relishing the challenge of attempting to upset 15th seed Andrey Rublev after extending his fairytale run at the US Open.
The 21-year-old -- the first player from Hong Kong ever to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open era -- advanced to the third round at Flushing Meadows on Thursday with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 defeat of Australia's Adam Walton.
"It's literally something that I've dreamed of, that I think every tennis player dreams of -- to keep going in a Slam," Wong said afterwards. "I'm still digesting so I need to calm down. But I'm really happy."
The win left Wong contemplating what will be the biggest match of his career, a meeting with Russia's Rublev in Saturday's third round.
Wong said he will head into that showdown unburdened by pressure.
"I'm swinging it, I'm feeling good, it's my first main draw, first time playing best of five. First of everything, for me, for Hong Kong and my team," Wong told AFP.
"So everything is very new, so no pressure. For me, Rublev is a huge player -- so I'm really excited to play him."
Wong, currently ranked 173rd in the world, certainly has the game to ask questions of Rublev, a four-time US Open quarter-finalist.
With a smooth service game and a laser-guided forehand, Wong reeled off 21 aces and 54 winners in an impressive display against Walton.
"I just want to enjoy the time here and stay as long as I can, because this is tough -- everyone is so good," Wong said.
Wong is hoping his educator parents -- his father is a headmaster and his mother is a teacher -- will be able to skip school in time to fly to New York to see him play this weekend.
"I'm actually calling them with my coaches now to ask them if they can come over," Wong said. "It's difficult because they have a school year starting in Hong Kong but I think they will try their best to. Especially my mum; but dad is more chill."
Wong meanwhile said he is still adjusting to the trappings that come with being a player in the main draw of a major tournament.
Instead of shuttling back and forth from Flushing Meadows on a bus, he now goes by private car.
"It's kind of funny, I always tell my coach -- I really want to make the main draw so I can take the car," he said. "I don't want to take the bus."
S.Smith--EWJ
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