Go, Chung Hyeon!!
Nation overjoyed by first Aussie Open quarterfinalist
A Korean Grand Slam champion seemed like a perpetual dream. Chung Hyeon brought the dream one step closer to reality by becoming the first Korean to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Tuesday.
The nation was euphoric as Chung eliminated Novak Djokovic, considered one of sport's greatest ever, at the Rod Laver Arena with a sensational win in straight sets, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6. Chung, who is ranked No. 58, will face Tennys Sandgren of the U.S., ranked No. 97, in the quarters.
Few had expected Chung's victory over the Serbian player who is a legend, particularly at the Aussie Open, having won it six times.
The two share something very special in common. They are both pioneers of their sport in their respective countries. The 12-time Grand Slam champion was the first Serbian to be ranked No.1 by the ATP and first Serbian male player to win a Grand Slam title. By advancing to the quarterfinals, Chung has already made some remarkable tennis history for Korea.
Chung also became the first Korean to win an ATP tour title in more than 10 years by capturing the 2017 New Generation ATP Finals.
His victory over Djokovic has a special meaning particularly for the nation's young people who do not have much to get excited about these days. The news came amid growing discontent among young Koreans over the deepening unemployment crisis. And for many people in their 20s and 30s, sports have been causing them more stress and concern rather than joy lately. They have been frustrated with the government's seemingly unilateral way of putting North Korea first at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. Many young Koreans were upset to see the government going out of its way to form a single women's ice hockey team with North Korea at the last minute before the Olympics.
It is also noteworthy that aside from his amazing tennis, Chung wowed the crowd with his wonderful communication skills. He made some witty remarks in English during a post-match interview on the court with Jim Courier, the U.S. tennis star in the early 90s with four Grand Slam titles. He got down on his knees and took a deep Korea-style bow to his family and team, leaving an unforgettable impression on viewers around the world.
Chung showed great promise to become the face of Korea's sports on the global stage and fill the void left by the retirement of sports greats such as LPGA hall of famer Pak Se-ri and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic champion Kim Yuna in women's figure skating.
We wish Chung all the best at the Australian Open and hope that his achievements will inspire young Korean players to aim high.
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