Coleman Wong was still “soaking in” becoming the first male player from Hong Kong to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open era when his phone flashed with a congratulatory message from Rafael Nadal.
The 21-year-old qualifier had just beaten Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-4) to secure his own slice of tennis history.
Wong, who started playing tennis at the age of five, moved to Nadal’s Mallorca academy in Spain at the age of 17.
“I’m still soaking it in because it’s a big moment for me and also my family, and Hong Kong people back home. It means a lot,” said Wong.
But Nadal will not be the only one sending Wong a congratulatory message.
It was in Spain that Wong met fellow history maker Alexandra Eala, who on Sunday became the first player from the Philippines in the Open era to win a Grand Slam singles match.
“Alex helped me a lot to get used to the environment because she was there for a long time,” said Wong.
“I’d never been to Spain before, and I barely go to Europe before. So from being a little kid from Hong Kong all the way to Spain, it’s tough.”
The Open era refers to any time after 1968, when Grand Slams allowed professional players to compete alongside amateurs.
Wong will face Australia’s Adam Walton in the next round.
