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Paul McNamara

Coleman Wong Chak-lam has “slayed some of his dragons” during a breakthrough 2025, according to the 21-year-old’s coach, James Allemby.
Hongkonger Wong, who is poised for a National Games second-round meeting with Chen Ye, committed to an increased number of tournaments on the premier ATP Tour this year.
He also competed in all four grand slams, reaching the US Open third round in August.
“We played more ATP events to break through his ‘impostor syndrome’, which was one of our major objectives for the year,” Allemby said.
“He needed to get used to being around the locker room and playing these top guys. Every ATP tournament week is positive, even if he loses in the first round, because he practises against the best in the world every day. He spends time with them, he might have lunch with them.
“When he goes on court he’s ready to play the match, rather than the person he’s watched on TV.”

Wong is currently ranked world No 145, down from a career-high No 128 in September last year but, said Allemby, his charge was “a far better player this year”.
“We were willing to lose ranking spots to improve his level,” Allemby said. “Last year, there was a bit of hiding being done. It was his first year at a higher level, but he played weaker tournaments and didn’t go after it as much.
“A lot of players get stuck at a certain level … but any chance we have to play an ATP, we do it.”
Allemby said Wong, who almost single-handedly inspired a shock Davis Cup victory for Hong Kong over Uzbekistan in September, had addressed a number of flaws to “bring up his low level”.
“His high level is very high … it’s a trait of younger players that their floors are lower than the more experienced guys,” Allemby said.
“Their bad days look bad, but their good days are unbelievable because they play more emotionally than older players.”
Allemby said Wong was previously susceptible to becoming passive and not making use of his “bomb of a forehand”.
The right hander would also stay close to the baseline when he was tight, and not give himself space to strike enough on his backhand.
“If you give yourself more room to swing on the backhand, you’ll find more forehands, then dictate from the middle of the court,” Allemby said. “This level is about taking the racquet out of the other guy’s hand … you can’t let them weave their web. You don’t have the choice of being passive, because your opponent won’t be.”

Additionally, Allemby said, Wong was formerly being too predictable on his serve and would, under pressure, hit the same spots each time.
“Opponents would camp in those corners,” Allemby said. “We’ve explored spots he wasn’t comfortable with and he’s got more variety.”
In recent Challenger tournaments in Seoul and Taipei, where he was runner-up and semi-finalist, respectively, Wong exorcised more demons.
“He slayed some of his dragons on an indoor court [in Taipei],” Allemby said. “He’s a competitor, but playing indoors sanitises the conditions, so he could get wrapped up in his emotions and become vulnerable and passive, rather than striking and counter-attacking. He overcame that in Taipei.
“In Seoul, he overcame another barrier when he beat a good up-and-comer, Zhou Yi, who could play without pressure.”
Wong beat Shanxi’s Duan Hao 6-1, 6-3 in his opening Games match.
“He’s got some good matches under his belt, which is positive late in the year when everyone is mentally tired and seeing the finishing line,” Allemby said.


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How Hong Kong tennis star Coleman Wong overcame impostor syndrome to turn dragon slayer

Coleman Wong connects with his ‘bomb of a forehand’ during his National Games first-round victory over Duan Hao. Photo: Eugene Lee

Wong is giving himself more room to swing on his backhand. Photo: Eugene Lee

The Hongkonger is also delivering more variety on his serve. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong’s Wong enjoying return to tennis team environment, eases into second round

Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong serves during his match against Shanxi’s Duan Hao. Photo: Eugene Lee

Coleman Wong said he was surprised by the level of support he had during his first round clash with Duan Hao. Photo: Eugene Lee

National Games, day 6: Ho wins sabre silver, Hsieh épée bronze, history for Hong Kong

Aaron Ho stormed through his semi-final at Kai Tak Arena. Photo: Elson Li

Aaron Ho lost his final at Kai Tak Arena but still made history for Hong Kong. Photo: Elson Li

Fan Zhendong hits a return during his men’s singles semi-final against Wang Chuqin. Photo: Xinhua

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Sumit Nagal had taken to social media on Tuesday to ask the Chinese ambassador to India and the Chinese embassy to intervene on his behalf. Photo: Getty Images

Sumit Nagal lost to the Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac at the 2025 Australian Open. Photo: AP

Sport

Hong Kong

City No 1 set for National Games second-round clash as he chases golden climax to breakthrough year


City No 1 set for National Games second-round clash as he chases golden climax to breakthrough year.


Coleman Wong Chak-lam

James Allemby

How Hong Kong tennis star Coleman Wong overcame impostor syndrome to turn dragon slayer

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}City No 1 set for National Games second-round clash as he chases golden climax to breakthrough year

City No 1 set for National Games second-round clash as he chases golden climax to breakthrough year