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Kevin Kung

Hong Kong resident Jérôme Lacorte successfully set a new Guinness world record in tennis in the territory on Sunday afternoon.
Over 32 hours and 21 minutes, the 40-year-old professional coach broke the record for challenging 33 consecutive singles opponents in one attempt at the Hong Kong Sports Institute this weekend. 
The previous world record holder, Dutch Erik van der Laan, had set the global record bar to 32 opponents in August.
“I am exhausted,” Lacorte, a French citizen, said with a smile after completing the challenge that began at 7am on Saturday. But fatigue didn’t stop him from participating in an additional short exhibition match against former world number 9 Paradorn Srichaphan right after setting the new world record.
The Thai star made a special appearance to support Lacorte’s effort to raise awareness for the Sports for Hope Foundation.

Lacorte is a member of the foundation’s executive committee.
He hoped to raise HK$10 million to engage underprivileged children with sport in Hong Kong.
Marie-Christine Lee, the Sports for Hope Foundation’s founder, said she was touched by Lacorte’s effort to help a good cause. “Jerome showed his superb determination,” said Lee, who was Lacorte’s second-to-last opponent in the challenge.
Lee said the Foundation almost achieved raising HK$10 million in its campaign.
Lacorte said he had a drop in stamina after challenging matches with excellent players on the first day. Among them was Hong Kong’s top men’s player Phillip King. 
“It was tough and especially tiring between 2am and 5am. My feet hurt and my muscles tightened. And I missed some shots,” Lacorte said.
“I had to find a way to come back… I never had doubts in myself,” he added.
He did take short breaks after each match, and a 15 minute-long pause for every three matches played. 
John Garland, an adjudicator for Guinness World Records, said he was impressed by Lacorte’s achievement.
“He has been playing tennis for more than 32 hours, that’s an amazing feet of endurance,” said Garland. “I wasn’t 100 per cent certain that he would make it. His body and mind have got to keep going for that amount of time. That’s difficult.”
Colin Yam Kwan-ho, 17, said he helped as ball boy from 8am to 8pm on each day. “When I came back this morning [Sunday], I found that Lacorte was playing with the same rhythm like yesterday morning. I wouldn’t say it was unbelievable as he must have confidence to achieve the record, but still, it was wonderful,” said Yam. 


Hong Kong tennis coach sets new world record

Jérôme Lacorte prior to his record on Sunday. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Jérôme Lacorte and the Sports for Hope Foundation receive their Guinness World Records certificate as Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichapan looks on. Photo: Handout


Return of elite men's tennis event on the cards for Hong Kong

American Michael Chang in action at the last Salem Open held in Hong Kong in 2002. He won the tournament three times in 1994, 1995 and 1997. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Pete Sampras dots the eyes opf a traditional Chinese lion during the opening ceremony of the Salem Open in 1996. Photo: AP

Sabine Lisicki won the WTA Hong Kong Open in September at Victoria Park. Photo: Reuters

In April 1999, Andre Agassi beat Boris Becker in the final of the Salem Open. Photo: SCMP Pictures   

Why Hong Kong Tennis Open must build on a good start

Zhang Ling, Hong Kong's top woman player, lost 1-6, 4-6 to second seed Daniela Hantuchova in the first round at Victoria Park. Photo: Dickson Lee 

Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova refused to speak with the media after losing in the second round of the Hong Kong Open. Photo: AFP

Eugenie Bouchard pulled out of the Hong KOng Open because of heat-related illness at the US Open, where she was bundled out in the fourth round. Photo: Reuters   

American star Serena Williams will be at the Wuhan Open on September 22. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong can bring top-class men's tennis event back, but needs an ATP licence

Juan Carlos Ferrero in action during the Salem Open tennis tournament in Hong Kong in 2002. Photo: AFP 


Alison Lee, executive vice-president of ATP International Group, believes Hong Kong is an ideal city to host a professional men's tennis tournament. Photo: SCMP Pictures      

GST111-19970709-GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND: Australia’s former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash discusses a controversial decision with the referee during his first round match against Spanish player Sergi Bruguera at the Swiss open tournament in Gstaad, 08 July. Pat Cash lost the match 3-6 and 1-6. AFP PHOTO EPA-KEYSTONE/JUERG MUELLER/jmb/gh
Credit: AFP
Byline: JUERG MUELLER


Andre Agassi competed in the Salem Hong Kong Open in 1999. Photo: AFP

American Jimmy Connors played in the Hong Kong Tennis Classic final.
Photo: SCMP Pictures 


American John McEnroe played tennis in Hong Kong in 1999. Photo: Oliver Tsang


Men tennis stars who have played in Hong Kong include American John McEnroe (left), Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, Americans Michael Chang, Jimmy Connors (below left) and Andre Agassi as well as Australian Pat Cash.Photos: SMP Pictures, AFP, Reuters

HKG01:SPORT-TENNIS:HONG KONG,13APR97 - Top seed Michael Chang of the United States urges himself on during the final of Hong Kong’s Salem Open tournament April 13, against Australia’s Patrick Rafter. Chang was robbed of a potential Sunday victory as rain stopped play when he was serving at match point with the score at 6-3, 5-3. The match is scheduled to resume April 14. jir/Photo by Bobby Yip REUTERS
Credit: REUTERS
Byline: BOBBY YIP


NewHong Kong tennis coach sets new world record

Jérôme Lacorte faced 33 opponents in 32 hour-long consecutive challenge

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Jérôme Lacorte faced 33 opponents in 32 hour-long consecutive challenge

Jérôme Lacorte faced 33 opponents in 32 hour-long consecutive challenge