The men's singles tennis semi-finals of the 20th Asian Games took place this morning (Oct. 2). Hong Kong player Coleman Wong faced Khumoyun Sultanov of Uzbekistan, overcoming a first-set deficit to win two straight sets and secure his place in the final. Wong will compete for the gold medal tomorrow.
The first set lasted 35 minutes. Trailing 2-5, Wong held serve to close the gap to 3-5, but dropped his service game once more to yield the opening set 3-6. Wong fired three aces with zero double faults and posted an impressive 85% first-serve win rate, holding his ground statistically; however, Sultanov capitalized on a steady first serve (70% in-percentage) and converted the set's sole break point opportunity, edging Wong 27-23 in total points. Serving first in the second set, Wong faced a must-win situation.
Wong mounted a strong resurgence in the second set, taking it 6-3 to level the match at 1-1. Slamming seven aces with zero double faults, Wong posted an 80% first-serve win rate and a 48% return point win rate—far outperforming Sultanov's 31%—to lead decisively with 34-24 in total points.
Sultanov served first in the deciding set as Wong sought to ride the momentum in his final push for the spot in the final.
In the deciding set, Wong completely took control of the match, seizing the initiative right from the start.Breaking serve twice, he took the set 6-2 to seal a 2-1 comeback victory over Sultanov and become the first player to advance to the men's singles final. In the final set, Wong fired four aces with zero double faults, posting a high first-serve win rate of 83% and a 50% return point win rate to thoroughly dominate his opponent—who managed just a 20% return point win rate in the decider—closing out a clean win with a 30-18 point advantage.
The victory guarantees at least a silver medal for Team Hong Kong, with Wong set to take the court tomorrow for the men's singles final to make his final push for gold.
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