South Korea’s Hyeon Chung doesn’t just want his Australian Open run to be a stepping stone for himself, but for the entire Asian tennis community.
Prior to this year, the 21-year-old had never made it beyond the third round of a grand slam event in seven attempts. That all changed in Melbourne with a run that saw him outplay and overpower six-time champion Novak Djokovic. Becoming the first South Korean player to reach the last eight of a major event.
Chung continued his surge in Melbourne Park on Wednesday. Disposing of another underdog, Tennys Sandgren, 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-3. Winning 78% of his first service points and converting three out of his four break point opportunities.
“I don’t know in last game 40-love up, I start thinking what I had to do in ceremony, something like that,” Chung said. “After the deuce point, no ceremony. I’m just trying to stay focused because I’m first time in these [big] matches.”
As a result of his fairytale run in Melbourne, Chung is set to break into the world’s top 30. Becoming the Asian No.2 behind a player he aspires to follow in the footsteps of – Kei Nishikori. Nishikori is the first Asian man to contest a grand slam final at the 2014 US Open and is a superstar in his native country. Forbes Magazine ranked the Japanese player as the 92nd highest paid celebrity in 2017 with $30 million earned in endorsements alone.
In recent years tennis has seen a surge in Asian players coming through on the tour. A movement Chung believes is based on the benchmarks set by Nishikori.
“I don’t know. Because they are playing good.” He replied when asked about the surge in tennis players. “The first player is Kei Nishikori, (who is) playing in top 10 already. So we Asian players are looking to Kei and we are trying to follow him. He’s the pride of an Asian player.”
Surge in fame
Chung himself is starting to experience what it is like to be a celebrity in his homeland. South Korean media outlet Yonhap News has reported that sales of tennis products have surged during his Australian Open performance. Despite it being the heart of winter in the country. Shopping website, 11th Street, has reported a 86% rise in tennis goods being sold.
The rise of the youngster has earned praise from the former hero of South Korean Tennis, Lee Hyung-taik. Lee reached a high of 36th in the world in 2007 and claimed one ATP title. He also reached the fourth round of the US Open twice.
“Records are meant to be broken,” Lee told Yonhap. “People have said Chung Hyeon is the next Lee Hyung-taik, but now he is just Chung Hyeon.”
“Now, there will be lots of young people who wish to become like Chung. As a person who runs a tennis academy, I am happy.” He later added.
Along with the surge comes the high expectation that will now be placed upon Chung. It remains to be seen how good he can become, but former player Lee is already tipping him for Olympic success. The next games will be help in Tokyo in 2020.
“I believe Chung will be able to break Nishikori’s Asian records,” he said. “Chung has also grown up to become a player who can go for an Olympic medal.”
Chung has already broken one milestone. He is the first Asian player to reach the last four at the Australian Open since Japan’s Jiro Sato back in 1932.
