Hyeon Chung
The 2013 Wimbledon Boys’ finalist has enjoyed a breakthrough 2015 where he has claimed four Challenger titles and his first win in a Masters event. With a win-loss of 46-17 this season, Chung has won Challenger titles in Burnie (Australia), Savannah (USA), Busan (South Korea and Kaohsiung (Taiwan). In March at the Miami Masters he defeated world No.50 Marcel Granollers to clinch his first main draw masters win.
The achievements of the 19-year-old haven’t gone unnoticed this year. He won the award for the ATP Most Improved Player of the Year. Since that start of the year, Chung has risen over 150 places in the rankings to a career high of 51st in the world. In November the South Korean spoke of his delight about receiving the award.
“Honored to receive the ATP World Tour Most Improved Player of the Year Award. It was a great 2015 season and I am so pleased to have my name on the same list as former stars like Agassi, Chang, Sampras, Nadal, Djokovic and more. Thank you for all the support”. Chung said.
During the off season the 19-year-old completed four weeks of military service in home country. He resumed training last week and will start his 2016 campaign at the Brisbane International followed by the Kooyong Classic Exhibition.
In recent years Kei Nishikori has been the protagonist for Asian tennis on the ATP Tour. 2016 could however be a different story if Chung maintains his consistent level of play as he steadily climbs higher in the rankings. The future is very bright for Chung and South Korean tennis.
