Dear Players and Parents and Valued Members of the Hong Kong Tennis Community,

Re: What is Important?

Two things caught my eyes in regard the roll out of the U12 Team Event Selection and rollout of the new local ranking system. I feel we are losing sight of what’s important. We have consulted extensively with both the ITF and ATP on our new ranking system – including how the calculation methodology is being applied. Shadow testing was also conducted, and the methodology was benchmarked internationally and profiled against historical examples and verified from both organisations. The main objectives of the new system is to assess each individual’s playing ability more accurately, and we encourage participation in international events by increasing the number of tournaments with conversions into the local rankings.

That said, while ranking is an important factor in the national team selection process, we will continue to adapt and update both the ranking system and selection criteria over time in order to make overall enhancements.

My honest observation is that a grossly disproportionate amount of effort is being spent on gaming the system for short-term arbitrary advantages when the focus should be on improving a player’s intrinsic qualities and long-term development. Gaming the system might bring short-term gains, but there are no short-cuts to becoming a better player or person.

No ranking system is 100% perfect, and someone, some way, is bound to find a loophole and exploit it for personal gains. While it is within one’s rights to pursue such an avenue, we are losing sight of the fact that our top players are not getting the results that are even comparable to some Asian countries. Let alone the traditional strong tennis nation in this world.

The level of funding we receive from the Government is significant compared to most countries. Fact is, we even have more players under grant than some Grand Slam nations! That is absolutely indefensible and unjustifiable.

Players under ETG are expected to deliver high-performance whenever they are representing Hong Kong and doing their best to win medals for Hong Kong—It is not a form of personal entitlement.

Unless we have the right mindset and approach moving forward, our players will continue to struggle against opponents, who are not necessarily more talented than us, but they work harder than us. They are physically and mentally stronger than us, and they are more prepared than us. Sadly, this is true at all levels— juniors, college, and the professionals. There needs to be a change in environment and mindset as a collective group between players, parents and coaches.

In the words of JFK, we choose to make these changes, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organise and measure the best of our energies and skills; because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Kind regards

Director of Player Development and Tennis Operations
Hong Kong, China Tennis Association

Acting Head Coach,
Hong Kong Sports Institute