Hong Kong’s Wong says public cash crucial to athletes’ security, ‘motivates me even more’

Coleman Wong Chak-lam has said the government’s decision to allow tennis to retain its Tier A status would “make a huge difference” in his bid to be among the best in the world, and for aspiring players.

Last week, tennis and billiard sports were told they could keep their elite standings at Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), just hours after Wong’s historic performance at the Miami Open ended.

The 20-year-old became the first Hongkonger to win an ATP Masters 1000 match when he beat German Daniel Altmaier in the first round and then stunned the tennis world by knocking out world No 14 Ben Shelton. Wong’s run ended when he lost to Adam Walton in the round of 32.

Coleman said he and his team talked about the impact of losing funding, and he had tried to “not let it affect me and just focus on tennis”.

“I really trust my team, my parents behind me to support and help me make the best decision, I’m really lucky to have them,” he said. “But at the same time, I heard the news that tennis is going to keep [its status] for another two years.

“It makes a huge difference because obviously I have my coach, my physio, and a lot of hotels and expenses. So for me, it motivates me even more to keep going and hopefully [the funding can] stay there after two years.”