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23 Mar 2025, Sun

Coleman Wong stuns Ben Shelton with epic three-set victory at Miami Open

Coleman Wong - Foto: Instagram


Coleman Wong stuns Ben Shelton with epic three-set victory at Miami Open

At just 20 years old, Coleman Wong from Hong Kong delivered one of the biggest upsets of the Miami Open by defeating American Ben Shelton, ranked world number 14, in a thrilling three-set battle. The match, played this Saturday, ended with a score of 7-6(3), 2-6, 7-6(5), marking Wong’s first career win over a top 20 player. The feat, witnessed on Court 1 at Hard Rock Stadium, electrified the tournament and established Wong as a rising talent to watch on the professional circuit.

The match was an emotional rollercoaster. Shelton, renowned for his aggressive and powerful style, entered as the favorite but faced a determined and technically sound opponent in Wong. The first set went to a tiebreak, where the Asian player showcased composure to close it out at 7-3. In the second set, Shelton fought back, dominating with a 6-2 scoreline that hinted at a turnaround. However, the deciding set brought more drama, culminating in another tiebreak that Wong clinched 7-5, securing victory after over two hours of intense play.

Currently ranked 182nd in the ATP standings, Wong not only achieved the biggest win of his career but also became the first player from Hong Kong to reach the third round of a Masters 1000 event. Meanwhile, Shelton, aged 22, suffered another setback in his pursuit of consistency at the top level, exiting the tournament earlier than anticipated.

A rising star in Asian tennis

Born on June 6, 2004, Coleman Wong Chak-lam has been carving out a promising path in tennis. His victory over Shelton is not a fluke but a testament to his steady progress. Earlier in the tournament, he dispatched Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-3 in the first round, proving his readiness for bigger challenges. Trained at Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, Wong blends refined technique with a competitive mindset that sets him apart.

Wong’s journey in tennis began at age five by chance: his sister, Elana, dropped out of a private lesson, and he stepped in. Since then, the sport has become his passion. In 2021, he made history by winning the US Open boys’ doubles title alongside Bruno Kuzuhara, becoming the second player from Hong Kong to claim a Grand Slam, following Patricia Hy in 1983. The next year, he repeated the feat at the Australian Open, cementing his reputation among juniors.

Now, at the Miami Open, Wong is making his mark in the professional ranks. His performance against Shelton, a player known for standout wins and a booming serve, proves he can hold his own against the elite. In the next round, he will face Australia’s Adam Walton, who also pulled off an upset by defeating Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-4.

  • First career win over a top 20 player.
  • First Hong Kong player to reach the third round of a Masters 1000.
  • Current ranking: 182nd in the ATP, expected to rise post-tournament.

Wong’s impact at the Miami Open

Coleman Wong’s triumph over Ben Shelton adds yet another surprising chapter to the Miami Open, a tournament already packed with unexpected outcomes. Held from March 19 to 30 at Hard Rock Stadium, the event is the second Masters 1000 of the season and part of the “Sunshine Double” alongside Indian Wells. This Saturday, spectators enjoyed a day brimming with excitement, with Wong stealing the spotlight on Court 1.

Shelton, seeded 13th, was a key hope for American fans. With a 2025 record of 10 wins and 5 losses so far, including a semifinal run at the Australian Open, he arrived in Miami with momentum. Yet, his loss exposes ongoing struggles with consistency, a critical factor for breaking into the top 10. Wong, conversely, seized every chance, displaying a versatile game and remarkable resilience in clutch moments.

The match was neck-and-neck throughout. In the first tiebreak, Wong thwarted Shelton with precise returns and a cool-headed approach. After dropping the second set, he regrouped in the third, saving key points and sealing the win with authority. For those in attendance, it was evident that the Asian player came not just to compete but to shine at the highest level.

Key moments of the match

The clash between Wong and Shelton hinged on fine margins. In the first set, Shelton had opportunities to break but faltered against Wong’s sturdy defense. The tiebreak saw Wong take control early and hold firm for a 7-3 finish. The second set belonged to Shelton, who unleashed his powerful serve to level the match at 6-2.

The final set delivered peak drama. Both players traded breaks, keeping the score tight until the tiebreak. Shelton surged to a 3-0 lead, only to drop seven straight points as Wong mounted a comeback. With the crowd behind him, Wong turned the tables and clinched the match with a crosscourt shot Shelton couldn’t reach. His celebratory roar echoed across the court, marking the pinnacle of his career to date.

  • First set: 7-6(3) in 54 minutes.
  • Second set: 2-6 in 38 minutes.
  • Third set: 7-6(5) in 1 hour and 2 minutes.

Coleman Wong’s journey in the pros

Coleman Wong has been steadily building a solid career. In 2023, he claimed his first professional title at a $15,000 ITF event in Tunisia, defeating Italy’s Luca Giacomini. Later that year, he won a $25,000 ITF tournament in Hong Kong and reached the final of another in Doha. At the Asian Games in Hangzhou, he stunned then-world number 98 Wu Yibing, saving five match points in a memorable upset.

In 2024, Wong took further strides. He reached the final of the Delhi Challenger in India and debuted at a Masters 1000 in Miami, advancing through qualifying with wins over Hugo Gaston and Sumit Nagal. Now, in 2025, his victory over Shelton elevates him to new heights. Having hit the top 150 last year, he is poised to climb closer to the top 100 after this tournament.

His next test comes against Adam Walton, a qualifier riding his own wave of success. The matchup promises to challenge Wong further, but at 20, he already shows the potential to become a fixture among the world’s best.

Miami Open schedule

The Miami Open continues with pivotal matches on the horizon. Here’s a look at the key dates:

  • March 19-20: First round for men’s and women’s draws.
  • March 21-22: Second round, highlighted by Wong vs. Shelton.
  • March 23-24: Third round, featuring Wong’s next match.
  • March 25-26: Round of 16.
  • March 27-28: Quarterfinals.
  • March 29: Semifinals.
  • March 30: Men’s and women’s finals.

A milestone for Hong Kong tennis

Coleman Wong’s victory is more than a personal triumph—it’s a historic moment for Hong Kong tennis. As the first player from the territory to win a junior Grand Slam and now reach the third round of a Masters 1000, he carries the aspirations of a region rarely spotlighted in the sport. His journey inspires local youth and puts Hong Kong on the global tennis map.

For Ben Shelton, the Miami exit stings. Despite undeniable talent, the American continues to grapple with consistency. His 2023 US Open quarterfinal run showed his ceiling, but subsequent ups and downs highlight areas for growth. At 22, he has time to refine his game, though Saturday’s result serves as a wake-up call.

Wong, meanwhile, has no ceiling in sight. His post-match celebration, dedicated to Hong Kong fans, reflected his pride in representing his people. “This is for you, Hong Kong!” he shouted on court, met with a standing ovation. Now, he gears up to face Walton, aiming to advance further and solidify his place in the sport.

Fun facts about Coleman Wong

A few standout details underscore Wong’s rise in tennis:

  • He holds the highest-ever ATP ranking for a Hong Kong male player, peaking at 128 in September 2024.
  • Trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy since age 17, where he’s hit with Nadal himself.
  • Became the first Hong Kong male to win a pro title in 2023.
  • In 2022, was the first player since 2017 to win back-to-back junior Grand Slams.



Coleman Wong stuns Ben Shelton with epic three-set victory at Miami Open

At just 20 years old, Coleman Wong from Hong Kong delivered one of the biggest upsets of the Miami Open by defeating American Ben Shelton, ranked world number 14, in a thrilling three-set battle. The match, played this Saturday, ended with a score of 7-6(3), 2-6, 7-6(5), marking Wong’s first career win over a top 20 player. The feat, witnessed on Court 1 at Hard Rock Stadium, electrified the tournament and established Wong as a rising talent to watch on the professional circuit.

The match was an emotional rollercoaster. Shelton, renowned for his aggressive and powerful style, entered as the favorite but faced a determined and technically sound opponent in Wong. The first set went to a tiebreak, where the Asian player showcased composure to close it out at 7-3. In the second set, Shelton fought back, dominating with a 6-2 scoreline that hinted at a turnaround. However, the deciding set brought more drama, culminating in another tiebreak that Wong clinched 7-5, securing victory after over two hours of intense play.

Currently ranked 182nd in the ATP standings, Wong not only achieved the biggest win of his career but also became the first player from Hong Kong to reach the third round of a Masters 1000 event. Meanwhile, Shelton, aged 22, suffered another setback in his pursuit of consistency at the top level, exiting the tournament earlier than anticipated.

A rising star in Asian tennis

Born on June 6, 2004, Coleman Wong Chak-lam has been carving out a promising path in tennis. His victory over Shelton is not a fluke but a testament to his steady progress. Earlier in the tournament, he dispatched Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-3 in the first round, proving his readiness for bigger challenges. Trained at Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, Wong blends refined technique with a competitive mindset that sets him apart.

Wong’s journey in tennis began at age five by chance: his sister, Elana, dropped out of a private lesson, and he stepped in. Since then, the sport has become his passion. In 2021, he made history by winning the US Open boys’ doubles title alongside Bruno Kuzuhara, becoming the second player from Hong Kong to claim a Grand Slam, following Patricia Hy in 1983. The next year, he repeated the feat at the Australian Open, cementing his reputation among juniors.

Now, at the Miami Open, Wong is making his mark in the professional ranks. His performance against Shelton, a player known for standout wins and a booming serve, proves he can hold his own against the elite. In the next round, he will face Australia’s Adam Walton, who also pulled off an upset by defeating Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-4.

  • First career win over a top 20 player.
  • First Hong Kong player to reach the third round of a Masters 1000.
  • Current ranking: 182nd in the ATP, expected to rise post-tournament.

Wong’s impact at the Miami Open

Coleman Wong’s triumph over Ben Shelton adds yet another surprising chapter to the Miami Open, a tournament already packed with unexpected outcomes. Held from March 19 to 30 at Hard Rock Stadium, the event is the second Masters 1000 of the season and part of the “Sunshine Double” alongside Indian Wells. This Saturday, spectators enjoyed a day brimming with excitement, with Wong stealing the spotlight on Court 1.

Shelton, seeded 13th, was a key hope for American fans. With a 2025 record of 10 wins and 5 losses so far, including a semifinal run at the Australian Open, he arrived in Miami with momentum. Yet, his loss exposes ongoing struggles with consistency, a critical factor for breaking into the top 10. Wong, conversely, seized every chance, displaying a versatile game and remarkable resilience in clutch moments.

The match was neck-and-neck throughout. In the first tiebreak, Wong thwarted Shelton with precise returns and a cool-headed approach. After dropping the second set, he regrouped in the third, saving key points and sealing the win with authority. For those in attendance, it was evident that the Asian player came not just to compete but to shine at the highest level.

Key moments of the match

The clash between Wong and Shelton hinged on fine margins. In the first set, Shelton had opportunities to break but faltered against Wong’s sturdy defense. The tiebreak saw Wong take control early and hold firm for a 7-3 finish. The second set belonged to Shelton, who unleashed his powerful serve to level the match at 6-2.

The final set delivered peak drama. Both players traded breaks, keeping the score tight until the tiebreak. Shelton surged to a 3-0 lead, only to drop seven straight points as Wong mounted a comeback. With the crowd behind him, Wong turned the tables and clinched the match with a crosscourt shot Shelton couldn’t reach. His celebratory roar echoed across the court, marking the pinnacle of his career to date.

  • First set: 7-6(3) in 54 minutes.
  • Second set: 2-6 in 38 minutes.
  • Third set: 7-6(5) in 1 hour and 2 minutes.

Coleman Wong’s journey in the pros

Coleman Wong has been steadily building a solid career. In 2023, he claimed his first professional title at a $15,000 ITF event in Tunisia, defeating Italy’s Luca Giacomini. Later that year, he won a $25,000 ITF tournament in Hong Kong and reached the final of another in Doha. At the Asian Games in Hangzhou, he stunned then-world number 98 Wu Yibing, saving five match points in a memorable upset.

In 2024, Wong took further strides. He reached the final of the Delhi Challenger in India and debuted at a Masters 1000 in Miami, advancing through qualifying with wins over Hugo Gaston and Sumit Nagal. Now, in 2025, his victory over Shelton elevates him to new heights. Having hit the top 150 last year, he is poised to climb closer to the top 100 after this tournament.

His next test comes against Adam Walton, a qualifier riding his own wave of success. The matchup promises to challenge Wong further, but at 20, he already shows the potential to become a fixture among the world’s best.

Miami Open schedule

The Miami Open continues with pivotal matches on the horizon. Here’s a look at the key dates:

  • March 19-20: First round for men’s and women’s draws.
  • March 21-22: Second round, highlighted by Wong vs. Shelton.
  • March 23-24: Third round, featuring Wong’s next match.
  • March 25-26: Round of 16.
  • March 27-28: Quarterfinals.
  • March 29: Semifinals.
  • March 30: Men’s and women’s finals.

A milestone for Hong Kong tennis

Coleman Wong’s victory is more than a personal triumph—it’s a historic moment for Hong Kong tennis. As the first player from the territory to win a junior Grand Slam and now reach the third round of a Masters 1000, he carries the aspirations of a region rarely spotlighted in the sport. His journey inspires local youth and puts Hong Kong on the global tennis map.

For Ben Shelton, the Miami exit stings. Despite undeniable talent, the American continues to grapple with consistency. His 2023 US Open quarterfinal run showed his ceiling, but subsequent ups and downs highlight areas for growth. At 22, he has time to refine his game, though Saturday’s result serves as a wake-up call.

Wong, meanwhile, has no ceiling in sight. His post-match celebration, dedicated to Hong Kong fans, reflected his pride in representing his people. “This is for you, Hong Kong!” he shouted on court, met with a standing ovation. Now, he gears up to face Walton, aiming to advance further and solidify his place in the sport.

Fun facts about Coleman Wong

A few standout details underscore Wong’s rise in tennis:

  • He holds the highest-ever ATP ranking for a Hong Kong male player, peaking at 128 in September 2024.
  • Trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy since age 17, where he’s hit with Nadal himself.
  • Became the first Hong Kong male to win a pro title in 2023.
  • In 2022, was the first player since 2017 to win back-to-back junior Grand Slams.



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