Duck-hee Lee Becomes The First Hearing-Impaired ATP Player to Win a Main Draw

The South Korean professional tennis player, Duck-hee Lee became the first-ever deaf ATP player to win a main draw match at Winston-Salem Open 2019. He defeated Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen in the first-ever ATP main draw match. He was born deaf and he can sense the vibrations on the court. Lee relies on hand gestures to pick up line calls and the umpire.

Duck-hee Lee was excited to be part of the main draw. The differently-abled tennis phenom, Lee has won 10 titles on the ITF Junior Circuit as a teenager and his highest ranking in the ITF Junior Circuit was Number three. 

Before getting on board for his first professional main draw tennis match in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the ATP Tour was in conversation with the 21-year-old hearing-impaired professional, Lee. He shared about his on-court experiences and how he manages to play on the court.   

“I understand I am the first deaf professional tennis player in the ATP,” Lee said in his native tongue, Korean. “I cannot really hear anything. But if someone is yelling or screaming, yes and I can hear some horns too. I am really excited to be here. This is my first ATP main draw match. I am excited, nervous and will do my best.”

“I do well in hot weather. I nickname in Korean media is, “Guy of The Summer.” I love the heat here. I cannot here the ball or anyone making calls on the court. I focus on the ball and the gestures of my opponent,” Lee added.

World Number 212, Duck-Tee Lee was over the moon after his first-round win at Winston-Salem Open 2019 and following to that he shared a video to express his gratitude for the support which he received.

In the second round of Winston-Salem Open 2019,  Duck-hee Lee will face the third-seeded Polish tennis player, Hubert Hurkacz.

Meanwhile, at Winston-Salem Open 2019 the former World Number one, Andy Murray lost his opening round match to Tennys Sandgren 6-7(8-10), 5-7.