“It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible!”
The countdown to the Hangzhou Asian Games (AG) has begun, and athletes in each sport are in the midst of their final checks, each with their own lofty dreams. Tennis is no exception. They are preparing to soar to the top. All eyes are on Kwon Soon-woo (26-104, Dangjin City Hall). He will compete in both singles and doubles. ‘Legend’ Lee Hyung-taek (47), head coach of the Orion Tennis Team, has a big smile on his face. “It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible,” he said of Kwon’s gold medal chances.먹튀검증
Kwon Soon-woo is one of South Korea’s biggest tennis stars. In January, he won his second career singles title at the second edition of the Adelaide International on the men’s ATP Tour, making him the most decorated South Korean on the ATP Tour. In early February, he helped South Korea defeat Belgium in the Davis Cup final in Seoul. However, he suffered a shoulder injury in February when he was knocked out in the round of 16 at the ATP Tour Qatar Exxon Mobile Open. He made a comeback at the US Open in August, but lost in the first round of the singles main draw.
The AG is also an important stage for Kwon personally. His military service benefits are on the line. China is the favorite. Zhang Zhizhen (67th) and Wu Yibing (86th) are strong contenders. They also have home field advantage. Zhang roared to the third round of the French Open this year. It was the first time a Chinese player had done so in 86 years since Gao Xinqi in 1937. Wu Yibing won the ATP Tour Dallas Open singles title in February. He became the first Chinese player to reach the top of the ATP Tour. He also won the singles silver medal at Jakarta-Palembang AG 2018.
Looking to turn things around. The stats are there. “An AG medal is always unexpected,” said Lee, “but for Kwon, it’s all about how quickly he regains his game. If he can find his old form quickly, he is definitely worth a shot.” His doubles with fellow countryman Hong Seong-chan (26-Sejong City Hall) is also noteworthy. “For Hong, defense is a good resource, but his forward movement is not bad either,” Lee said. Doubles has a lot of variables. Both players have military service issues, so I think they will focus a little more.”
Kwon Soon-woo will play in the group stage of the 2023 Davis Cup Main Draw (Finals) in Valencia, Spain, from Dec. 12-18. It will be her last international appearance before Hangzhou AG. South Korea is in Group C alongside Spain, Serbia and the Czech Republic. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) and No. 2 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) are among the players. “I think the Davis Cup will help us,” Lee said, adding, “If we play against strong players and show a certain amount of good play, we can find a way to move faster.”