The main man: Hong Kong teenager Anthony Jackie Tang qualifies for Wimbledon juniors’ main draw
The 17-year-old Hong Kong boys’ singles number one is the first player from the city since 2005 to qualify for the main draw at SW19
Hong Kong teenager Anthony Jackie Tang has become the first player from Hong Kong since 2005 to qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon’s junior event after two impressive qualifying wins.
The 17-year-old, who is ranked 102nd in the world junior rankings, beat 45th ranked Juan Carlos Manuel Aguilar of Bolivia and 72nd ranked Oliver Crawford of the US on Thursday and Friday to make the main event at SW19.
And on Monday, Tang will face Blake Ellis of Australia, who is ranked 32nd in the world, in the first round. Ellis won the Australian Open junior doubles earlier this year.
“I am very proud of my achievement, Another step on a long journey,” said Hong Kong boys’ singles number one Tang, who reached the second round of the Australian Open juniors in January in his first grand slam appearance.
“I am very excited, looking forward to playing and representing Hong Kong in such a prestigious event. Today I will start my preparation for the next match
“I will be taking each match as it comes, making sure I prepare and perform the way I’ve done so far.
“It’s always great when you come to one of the best tournaments in the world and qualify, but that’s just the start I want to progress further into the tournament.
“Everybody in this tournament belongs here and is good so tennis becomes a mental game and this has definitely given me confidence in my game.”
