Coleman Wong Chak-lam is gearing up for an exciting challenge as he faces Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open. Wong’s coach, James Allemby, has high hopes for the 21-year-old, describing him as “strong, explosive and wise.” Allemby believes that Wong has the skills and intelligence necessary to navigate past the formidable Italian opponent, who is currently ranked No. 7 in the world, likening Musetti’s playing style to that of a “boa constrictor.”
In preparation for this significant matchup, Allemby has advised Wong to adopt a “practice-match mentality,” reinforcing the importance of composure on the court. He expressed confidence that Wong can create tough situations for Musetti, even if Wong does not reach his peak performance during the match.
Wong has had a remarkable tournament thus far, securing one of his best career victories by defeating Gabriel Diallo in the second round. He also showcased his versatility by teaming up with Diallo in the doubles event, where they achieved a hard-fought victory against Constantin Frantzen and Robin Haase in a three-set match. However, following this win, Allemby announced that they would not participate in the doubles semi-final due to a minor injury sustained by Diallo, who is focusing on the upcoming Australian Open qualifiers.
Allemby remains optimistic, noting that this break is beneficial for Wong as he prepares for singles competition next week. Wong’s successful journey in Hong Kong serves as a strong foundation as he looks to maintain his winning momentum and continue his growth in the ATP circuit. This quarter-final represents not only a pivotal moment in Wong’s career but also an opportunity for him to shine on a larger stage.