Teenage talent Chung Hyeon has spoken about his admiration for Novak Djokovic during an exclusive interview with sport360.com.
The 19-year-old is currently ranked 64th in the world and won a quartet of Challenger titles during 2015. He is yet to make a significant mark on the tour this year with a current main draw win-loss of 5-6. The biggest win of 2016 so far for Chung was his first round triumph over top-40 player Guillermo García López at the ABN World Tennis Championships in Rotterdam. He hasn’t won back-to-back matches in a tournament since the Shenzhen Open last year. Nevertheless, the South Korean does have the capability of making his mark on the tour with his strong backhand and flat groundstrokes.
Speaking about Djokovic, Chung has praised the world No.1’s baseline play and strong mentality.
“Djokovic plays good baseline and is strong mentally, everything is good, perfect, that’s why I look up to him,” says Chung.
At the Australian Open this year, the teenager played the Serbian for the first time is his career, losing 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. Djokovic spoke highly of Chung following their first meeting in Melbourne. The world No.1 said the South Korean ‘has potential’ but need more experience.
This potential is something that Chung knows he has as he hopes to achieve his top-10 goal in the future.The 19-year-old will be the first to admit that his top-10 goal may not happen for a couple more years as he develops his game and presence on the tour.
“I need to adapt mentally and physically. In tennis, you need to have a big serve too so I’m trying to work on my serve.” He told Sport 360.
The rise of Chung hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2015 he was awarded the ‘most improved player’ in the ATP awards. Previous winners include Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jo-wilfried Tsonga and Roberto Bautista Agut.
The next stage in Chung 2016 season will be the BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells. In the first round, he faces Spain’s Albert Ramos. If he overcomes the Spanish player, the 19-year-old will play Nick Kyrgios in what will be a fascinating encounter. It they face each other, it will be their first meeting since the 2013 Wimbledon Boys’ championships where Chung defeated the Australian 6-2, 6-2.
Chung Heyon Quick Facts
Age: 19
Pro titles: 9 (five Challenger and four Futures titles)
Ranking Best: 51 (achieved 26/10/15)
Current career prize money: $440, 381
Best Grand Slam performance: US Open 2015 (second round)
