Coleman Wong Chak-lam does not believe in hopeless situations.
Even if he is a point away from defeat, the 21-year-old Hong Kong tennis star still thinks he can claw his way back.
That grit, which he calls the “spirit of Hongkongers”, has carried him into history.
Against the odds, he became the first player from Hong Kong to reach the third round at a grand slam tournament since the Open era began in 1968.
“People overseas often think they can dominate tennis, but I want to show them Hong Kong can also produce excellent athletes,” Wong told Young Post.
“It hasn’t been easy because I’ve had to compete against the top players from all around the world.”
Last month, Wong proved that point at the US Open when he beat Aleksandar Kovacevic and Adam Walton – though he later lost to Andrey Rublev. At the time, Wong was ranked 173rd in the world, facing opponents in the top 100.
The Hongkonger’s competitive fire has been essential in a sport long dominated by the West. For Wong, every match is a battle to prove Hong Kong deserves a spot on the global tennis map.
“I feel it’s not just about me personally. Since I was young, I’ve represented Hong Kong in competitions around the world,” Wong explained.
“That means a lot to me, so I’m truly honoured to carry this city onto the international stage.”
Making a comeback
Off the court, Wong describes himself as “a happy person” who enjoys life outside of tennis.
“Because tennis is actually very tiring,” he explained, “I just want to relax and do the kinds of things that ordinary people do.”
But once he steps onto the court, the switch flips: nothing is over until the very last point.
“I don’t want to lose,” he said.
One match he will never forget was at the 2023 Asian Games, when he fought back from the edge of elimination: winning seven points in a row and overturning what seemed like certain defeat.
“This match proved to me what I had always believed: that I could still come back,” he said.
The Hongkonger said he adored this trait in Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
“Nadal does not give you a point if it’s not over yet. This ‘never-say-die’ spirit is very important, as you cannot win every week. You need to learn how to lose,” said Wong, who trained at Nadal’s academy in Spain.
Wong admitted that his resilience came from facing his failures, which fuelled his drive in tennis.
“I knew I would make mistakes, lose matches, win some and lose some,” he said. “Eventually, by winning a few big tournaments, I was able to get to where I am now. So it’s really about self-belief.”
Blazing a trail
While Hong Kong athletes have been making strides in fencing, swimming and tennis, Wong said he could relate to those who are toiling in the background.
“That’s how I started too,” he said. “Even though Hong Kong didn’t have many tennis players before, I wanted to be the first.”
He called for more support for the city’s athletes – not just when they clinch medals.
“Being an athlete in Hong Kong is not easy, whether it’s tennis or any other sport. Support shouldn’t only come when people watch the Olympics,” he said.
Wong hopes he can pave the way for future athletes and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
“If more kids here want to follow my steps, I can share my experience so they make fewer mistakes. I’ve made plenty myself. It wasn’t easy because I didn’t have another player to follow, so I went overseas to train,” he said. “There, I was surrounded by top-100 players, and they helped me a lot. Bit by bit, I figured things out myself.”
The other part of raising up the next generation of athletes, Wong added, should begin at home. He encouraged parents to help their children explore beyond academics.
“Some parents may think their kids should just go to university, or avoid professional sports because they might not make it. But if a child really wants to, they should be given the chance ... It’s a joyful journey, and not many people get to experience it,” he shared.
Wong, who graduated from Diocesan Boys’ School and won the Sportsperson category in the 2021/22 Student of the Year Awards, said his parents supported him as he took part in tennis competitions.
“For me, it’s been my dream since I was young. I fell in love with tennis just from watching it on TV,” he said.
Earlier this month, fresh from his historic US Open run, Wong was welcomed back at a “Cheer for Coleman” event at Olympian City, where dozens of Hongkongers showed up to celebrate.
Among them was Clare Wong, a 50-year-old mother of two, who was moved by the tennis star’s resilience.
“He’s so radiant and represents the spirit of the Hong Kong people,” she said. “I love how he bounces back after defeat with that never-give-up spirit. He’s sending young people here such a good message.”
For the mother, the support is also personal.
“Since he’s the same age as my son, it feels like watching my own child, so I really wanted to support him. My son also plays sports, so I can relate,” she said.
“That night, I even stayed up past 5am to watch him play. It reminded me of cheering for my son when he competed overseas.”
She said Wong’s message was clear: “Don’t give up until the very last moment, and keep persevering.”
