March 24, 2025 – At just 20 years old, Coleman Wong Chak-lam has cemented his status as Hong Kong’s brightest tennis hope with a stunning run at the Miami Open presented by Itau. On Saturday, March 22, the wildcard entrant pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, defeating world No. 14 Ben Shelton in a thrilling three-set match, 7-6(3), 2-6, 7-6(5). Now ranked No. 182, Wong is proving that his blend of resilience, skill, and fearless play can shake up the ATP Tour—and he’s not done yet.
A Historic Breakthrough
Wong’s journey in Miami began with a milestone: his first-round victory over Germany’s Daniel Altmaier (6-4, 6-3) made him the first Hongkonger to win a match at an ATP Masters 1000 event. That achievement alone was a testament to his growing prowess, but it was his second-round clash with Shelton that truly turned heads. Facing the powerful American, seeded 13th, Wong showcased his ability to adapt under pressure. After splitting the first two sets, he held his nerve in a decisive third-set tiebreak, sealing the win with a first-serve winner that left Shelton stunned and the crowd buzzing.
“This is for you, Hong Kong,” Wong declared post-match, dedicating the victory to his home city. His triumph wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a moment of pride for a region where tennis remains a niche sport. “Back in Hong Kong, there’s not many people playing tennis,” he noted, hinting at his desire to inspire a new generation.
The Shelton Showdown
The match against Shelton was a rollercoaster. Wong edged a tight first set in a tiebreak, only to see Shelton roar back in the second, leveling the score with a commanding 6-2 performance. The third set was a test of mental fortitude—Shelton saved two match points at 6-5 to force another tiebreak, but Wong refused to buckle. At 5-5, Shelton’s forehand went wide, and Wong capitalized with a blistering serve to clinch the biggest win of his career.
His coach, James Allemby, who has guided Wong to a career-high ranking of 128 last year, praised his pupil’s composure. “What I liked about [the victory] was that it was so sustainable,” Allemby said, highlighting Wong’s ability to execute a game plan against one of the tour’s heaviest hitters.
Even Rafael Nadal, with whom Wong occasionally trains at the Spaniard’s academy in Mallorca, chimed in. “Very proud of Coleman,” Nadal reportedly said, a nod to the Hongkonger’s growing reputation among tennis elites.
What’s Next: A Date with Walton
As of today, March 24, Wong is preparing to face Australia’s Adam Walton (No. 89) in the Round of 32 at 11:00 AM local time on Court 1. Fresh off his upset of Shelton, Wong is riding a wave of momentum, though Walton presents a fresh challenge. The pair have met once before, with Wong holding a 1-0 head-to-head edge, but this match promises to test his consistency after such an emotional high. Analysts see a potential path deeper into the tournament, with a possible fourth-round clash against No. 8 seed Taylor Fritz looming if Wong can keep his form.
A Star in the Making
Wong’s 2025 season has been a mix of highs and lows—he entered Miami with a 7-8 record—but his recent performances suggest he’s finding his stride. His journey hasn’t been without hurdles; he endured a year-and-a-half hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period he credits his team for helping him overcome. “I’m really lucky my team keeps supporting me,” he said after beating Shelton.
Primarily coached by Allemby, with additional guidance from Toni Nadal and the Rafa Nadal Coaching Academy staff, Wong’s game is evolving. His first serve has become a weapon—he won 72% of first-serve points against Shelton—and his court coverage and tactical nous are drawing comparisons to players far higher in the rankings.
Hong Kong’s Tennis Beacon
Wong’s rise comes at a time when Hong Kong tennis is seeking a foothold on the global stage. His earlier 2025 outings, like a competitive loss to Jerry Shang at the Hong Kong Open and a second-round exit in Australian Open qualifying, showed promise but lacked the breakthrough he’s now achieved. With a stated goal of cracking the top 100 and qualifying for a Grand Slam main draw, Wong is inching closer to those dreams.
As he takes on Walton today, the tennis world is watching. Can Coleman Wong Chak-lam keep defying the odds? For a young player who’s already toppled a top-15 giant, the answer seems to be a resounding “yes.” Hong Kong—and tennis fans everywhere—have a new star to cheer for.
