Cover Coleman Wong, one of the city’s top tennis players, speaks to Tatler before participating in the tennis tournament Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Coleman Wong, one of the city’s top tennis players, speaks to Tatler before participating in the tennis tournament Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Fresh off his Grand Slam run, Tatler catches up with rising tennis star Coleman Wong before his debut at the tournament Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Hong Kong
“I want to prove to the people of Hong Kong that, even though we come from a small [city], we can still have a shot at becoming professional tennis players,” says Coleman Wong, one of the city’s top tennis players, ahead of the tennis tournament Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS).
At just 21, Wong has made headlines this summer by becoming the first player from Hong Kong to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, pushing world no. 15 Andrey Rublev to five sets at the US Open. He has trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy since the age of 17, following a standout junior career.
This week, Wong competes in the UTS at Kai Tak Sports Park, with insurance provider Chubb Life Hong Kong as the title sponsor and health and longevity company Humansa as the presenting sponsor. Belinda Au, the president of Chubb Life Hong Kong and head of North Asia, says the sponsorship reflects the company’s philosophy: “We want to make sure that not only our customers but all the communities we connect with can thrive in the way they want to live.”
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Above UTS founder and French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, along with Belinda Au, president of Chubb Life Hong Kong and head of North Asia, and Wong, pose for a group photograph (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
UTS founder and French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, along with Belinda Au, president of Chubb Life Hong Kong and head of North Asia, and Wong, pose for a group photograph (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Founded by French coach Patrick Mouratoglou—who has guided 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams—the UTS introduces a new format to the sport. For example, it allows players to wear microphones so fans can listen to their on-court exchanges, and the athletes can even answer interview questions during changeovers.
Mouratoglou says Hong Kong was the obvious choice for the tournament’s Asia debut. “Hong Kong is a modern city that loves entertainment and sports,” he explains. “The timing is perfect, with Coleman starting to achieve great results and becoming more and more recognised here.”
Ahead of the game, we catch up with Wong to talk about how he stays grounded amid rising fame and what keeps him motivated on and off the court.
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The format of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown is different from a regular tennis match. How are you planning to approach the game?
Coleman Wong (CW): I’m just going to have fun and enjoy the game because it’s a different format. It’s really exciting for professional tennis players because we usually need to earn points by winning our regular matches, which affects our professional ranking. I’ve spoken to my friends about the format of UTS, and they all love it too.
Your breakthrough has put Hong Kong in the tennis headlines. What’s unique about representing Hong Kong?CW: Hong Kong is my home. I grew up here. I picked up my tennis racket when I was five years old in Victoria Park. I’m just a normal kid from Hong Kong who really loves tennis. I want to prove to the people of Hong Kong that even from such a small place, we can still have a shot at becoming professional tennis players.
Playing tennis is part of my life now. When I look at pictures and videos of myself starting to play tennis and all the things I did, I always get very emotional. It means a lot to me to be able to do what I love the most. I’m really grateful for it.
You’re at the start of your journey as a professional tennis player. What is the most vital part of your preparation for a game, and how do you take care of yourself for longevity in the sport?
CW: When I’m on tour, I like to get everything organised and in order. I usually get ready the night before the match and re-grip all my rackets.
I always try to stay injury-free. This is the most important thing because if you’re injured, you cannot play tournaments. I pay a lot of attention to recovery and staying strong physically to handle the demands of playing matches every week, everywhere.
With your rising success, there are a lot of expectations riding on you. What do you do on and off the court to stay grounded?
CW: I always try to find time to relax and disconnect. I’m someone who really likes music, going to concerts and everything related to that. If you see me off the court, I’m usually with my headphones, listening to music from Hong Kong.
I have a very local taste in music. I listen to a lot of songs by the singer Eason Chan. A few of my favourites are Life Goes On, Min Min and When Grapes Are Ripe. His songs are so diverse and resonate with me in different situations and moments, whether they’re good or bad.
Young people like you enjoy using emojis. If you could create a new tennis emoji, what would it be?
CW: The original tennis ball emoji is pretty cool already, but I’d want a tennis ball with fire on it.
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Based in Hong Kong, editor Yoyo Chow covers the people and ideas redefining Asia’s future—from cutting-edge innovation and AI to bold moves in sustainability and diversity. She also drives content for Tatler Gen.T in Hong Kong, a platform and community spotlighting the region’s next generation of startup founders, creatives and changemakers.
Before that, she was a video journalist producing content for international TV and digital platforms, including Reuters and South China Morning Post. If you have a powerful story to share, she’s all ears. Send press materials, event invites and any inquiries to yoyo.chow@tatlerasia.com.
