7 things you Didn’t Know about Hyeon Chung

Hyeon Chung put up a scintillating performance earlier today to oust the former world number one and former Australian open champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The South Korean native was rock solid off the backhand wing and defended a barrage of shots from Nole.  We take a look at few of the things that we did not know about the South-Korean, in the wake of his first ever quarterfinals appearance.

1. Tennis as a cure

Chung started playing tennis only as a means to improve his eyesight as a kid. However, he started playing tennis with more of an intent and was rolled into the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy at the age of 12.

1. Wimbledon boy’s runner up 2013

Hyeon Chung was the runner up at the Wimbledon boy’s tournament back in 2013.

1. Juniors’ ranking

Hyeon Chung reached as high as world number seven at the junior level, racking up a win-loss record of 84-32.

1. Most improved player award

2015 was Chung’s year, as he finished the year as the world number 51. Hyeon Chung was ranked outside the top 150 when he started the year, and climbed over 120 places to deservedly win the ATP’s most improved player of the year award.

1. ATP NextGen Champion

Hyeon Chung won the inaugural Next Generation ATP finals last year, defeating another rising star Andrey Rublev in the finals.

1. First South Korean

Chung is the first South Korean to reach the quarters of the Australian open. In fact, he was also the first South Korean to make it to the round of 16 of the Australian open, when he dismissed Alexander Zverev last week.

1. Novak Djokovic as an idol

Novak Djokovic, who was beaten in straight sets earlier today, coincidentally is Chung’s role model. The South Korean revealed that he is a huge fan of Novak Djokovic, and tries to imitate Nole on the court as well.