Coleman Wong and his ‘victory’ against Rafa Nadal who would not change for a title | ATP Tour

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Coleman Wong and his ‘victory’ against Rafa Nadal who would not change for a title

The one born in Hong Kong is shining in Miami Masters 1000

March 21, 2025

From everything Coleman Wong has achieved in his tennis career, nothing exceeds the two sets that Rafael Nadal beat a year and a half ago. Not even his first victory in a main box of Masters 1000, which he won on Thursday by beating German Daniel Altmaier in the Miami Open presented by It Itaú.

It does not matter that they have been practice sets at Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, where Wong trains since 2021. That result changed the way the 20 -year -old right -handed was seen as a tennis player.

“The first time he won a set to Rafa, in the preseason of 2023, it was super exciting. Rafa was working things and without being 100%, but it was a top experience,” says James Allenby, Wong coach. “Winning a training set against Rafa could be worth more than winning a tournament. For him it was like winning God.”

“I remember that in four days three sets played, and they were 2-1 for Coleman. That made him very excited. So it was against a newly arrived from his boat and playing more relaxed, he added a lot. Coleman said he had surpassed, and there he felt he was not so far with his tennis.”

Not only was he filled with convincing, defeating Nadal in those days of practice. Also with what the ex No. 1 of the PIF ATP Rankings recommended.

“Rafa told him some things about his game. For example, that he would vary more with the serve,” adds Allenby. “And of course, a coach tells you a million times that same, but if Rafa Nadal tells you, you are recorded in your brain.”

The serve is precisely one of his weapons that worked perfectly in his debut in Miami Masters 1000. Before Altmaier, the current No. 182 of the world saved the four Break Points he faced during the 71 -minute duel.

_{James Allenby and his Pupil Coleman Wong, this week in Miami.}

Another aspect that explains its dream week at the Hard Rock Stadium is the sentimental. His partner, Filipina Alexandra Eala, another student of the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, also pointed out this week in Miami her first main victory in a 1000 Masters.

“Although the two are very focused on their careers, I think that the fact that they are together here is something that is motivating them. They are enjoying and is very cool that they have managed to get them their first Match of Masters final box,” adds the 34 -year -old coach.

In fact, the 19 -year -old left -handed surprise this Friday beating Jelena Ostopenko. Coleman’s turn to try his own feat came on Saturday against the local Ben Shelton, head of series No. 13, and made it a reality winning 7-6 (7), 2-6, 7-6 (5). “Coleman has more level than he believes right now,” Allenby added.

His triumph resonated throughout the world of tennis. So much so that his idol congratulated him through social networks for his triumph in two hours and 15 minutes.

There is a lot of effort behind these victories. We are very proud of you, Coleman! ☺️ A historic win for Hong Kong 👏🏻 https://t.co/3XtlJkiy0P

– Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal) March 22, 2025

“There is a lot of effort behind these victories. We are very proud of you, Coleman! A historical victory for Hong Kong!” Rafa wrote. Surely they had already told him. But being Nadal, they will be words that he will never forget.