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2024-02-02

Davis Cup: Hong Kong, China set to face Zimbabwe

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Davis Cup: Hong Kong, China set to face Zimbabwe

(Hong Kong, China, 2 February 2024) – With a place in the Davis Cup World Group II at stake, Hong Kong, China will square off with Zimbabwe in a must-win play-off at Victoria Park Centre Court from 3-4 February 2024.  Nineteen-year-old Coleman Wong, now at a career-high ATP No. 246, will spearhead the home nation against a visiting team led by their 13-year stalwart, Benjamin Lock.  Play will commence at 2:30 pm Hong Kong time on both Saturday and Sunday.  Admission is open to the public.

Regarding Team Hong Kong, China’s opponents Zimbabwe, Coleman Wong stated: “I’m familiar with their number one, Benjamin Lock, from watching him in other tournaments, though I’ve never faced him personally. I’m definitely confident in my abilities, and I have full confidence in my teammates as well! We aim to play our best in every match and secure victories for Hong Kong.”

With the Davis Cup tie playing on home turf, Coleman said he intends to maintain a normal mindset. He believes that, compared to their last match against Latvia, the opponents are not as formidable. Coupled with his recent improvement on the court, he feels their chances of winning are higher.

This weekend, despite the excitement of Lionel Messi playing football in the city, Kevin Wong hopes the public will still take the opportunity to come out and support Team Hong Kong, China at Victoria Park.

Feb 3: R1 Jack Wong (HKG) v. Benjamin Lock (ZIM)
Feb 3: R2 Coleman Wong (HKG) v. Courtney John Lock (ZIM)
Feb 4: R3 Coleman Wong/Kevin Wong (HKG) v. Benjamin Lock/Courtney John Lock (ZIM)
Feb 4: R4 Coleman Wong (HKG) v. Benjamin Lock (ZIM)
Feb 4: R5 Jack Wong (HKG) v. Courtney John Lock (ZIM)

Most recent tie

Hong Kong, China competed against Latvia in the World Group II first round tie at Victoria Park in September 2023, but were narrowly defeated 3-2 by the visiting Latvians.

Zimbabwe finished top of Pool B at the Africa Group III event in Pretoria in August 2023. They lost their subsequent play-off 3-0 to South Africa, but secured promotion to the World Group II play-offs.

HKCTA President, Michael Cheng: “Hosting it at Victoria Park allows the fans to come to the stadium and see the players up close and personal.  They can actively engage, show their support for Hong Kong tennis, and experience the emotional highs and lows of a Davis Cup tie.  It’s part of culture building.  It’s also a chance for the players to display their talent to the local community since they are competing overseas most of the time.  Equally important is the opportunity to show the world that we are more than capable of organising premier, world-class competitions, such as the Davis Cup, in addition to the ATP and WTA Tour events.  I’m expecting an even bigger turnout than last September.  This is what home court advantage is all about.  Earning a place on the Davis Cup team is the highest honour bestowed on a tennis player in their respective regions or nations. Our team is going to fight hard to achieve our objective of retaining World Group II status.”

Notes on Hong Kong, China

When Coleman Wong last played Davis Cup at Victoria Park in September 2023, he was ranked No. 534.  Since then, the 19-year-old has reached two Challenger Tour finals and is ranked at a career-high No. 246. In June 2023, he became the first player from Hong Kong to capture a men’s singles Futures title by winning the Tunisia F29 in Monastir. In September 2023, he captured the biggest title of his career, taking home the M25 Hong Kong. He made his Davis Cup debut against Chinese Taipei in September 2019 to become the youngest representative at 15 Years and 100 Days old. He has played in eight ties and has a win-loss record of 8-3 in singles and 3-3 in doubles.

Since making his Davis Cup debut in 2015, Jack Wong has played seventeen ties and accumulated eight years of representation for Hong Kong.  He has a win-loss record of 7-7 in singles and 7-2 in doubles. He is currently tied in third place all-time in No. of Davis Cup Ties Played with 17.

Notes on Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe gained promotion from Africa Group III last year and will be spearheaded by world No. 354 Benjamin Lock, who made his Davis Cup debut in 2010.  He has played in 36 ties over 12 years and owns a win-loss record of 31-10 in singles and 16-10 in doubles.  Since turning pro in 2015, he has won 4 Challengers in doubles, and 10 singles and 31 doubles titles on the Futures circuit.  His younger brother Courtney Lock has played in 14 Davis Cup ties over 7 years.  He is 0-5 in singles and 7-7 in doubles.  To date, the Lock brothers have won 16 doubles titles together on the pro circuit and are 6-4 as a tandem in Davis Cup doubles.