Wong becomes latest history maker at US Open

US Open 2025

Dates: August 24 through September 7 in Flushing Meadows, New York

When Rafael Nadal’s phone rang out with a congratulations message, Coleman Wong was still “soaking in,” making history as the first Hong Kong male player to win a Grand Slam singles competition in the Open era.

Aleksandar Kovacevic had just defeated the 21-year-old qualifier 6-5 7-5 7-6 (7-4) to claim his own piece of tennis history.

Wong, who was five when he first began playing tennis, later transferred to Nadal’s Mallorca academy in Spain.

“I’m still soaking it up because it’s a significant moment for both my family and the Hong Kong residents who live here. It means a lot, Wong said.

However, Nadal will also be the only recipient of Wong’s congratulations.

Wong and Alexandra Eala, both of whom are known for their history, met in Spain on Sunday, making them the first Filipinos to win a Grand Slam singles competition.

Because she was with me for a long time, Alex helped me greatly get used to the environment, said Wong.

“I had never been to Spain before, and I hardly ever travel to Europe.” It’s tough, then, from Hong Kong as a young child all the way to Spain.

Any time after 1968, when Grand Slams permitted professional players to compete alongside amateurs, is a reference to the Open era.

Miomir Kecmancovic, the underdog of Brazil, defeated Joao Fonseca to set up a second-round contest with world number 21 Tomas Machac.

The teenager beat the Serb 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in two hours and 26 minutes.

In the third set, the 19-year-old was forced to recover from illness, calling the trainer for a medical leave before hurling himself into a dumpster by the side of the court.

Fonseca remarked, “The third set made me feel a little more ill than the first round, which is always a little more tense,” adding: “I felt a little more ill today.”

“I had no idea what occurred,” she said. Just water, I threw up.

I’m sorry, guys, I apologize!

Elsewhere, world number 17 Frances Tiafoe beat Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 6-3 7-6 (8-6) 6-3.

In the following round, the American will face compatriot Martin Damm, who has never advanced beyond the second round of his home Grand Slam.

Holger Rune, a Danish Open champion, was adamant against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp to claim his first victory since 2022.

The Dane lost the next four games to give Van de Zandschulp a run-in with the match after the 11th seed had a 4-0 lead in the third set.