Korean hopes to return to the tour after stint in armed forces
BENGALURU: Every tennis player fosters the dream of competing in Grand Slams. South Korea's Seongchan Hong, who started playing tennis as a seven-year-old, is no different. The French Open is one of his biggest goals. He failed to clear the qualifying hurdle last year and 2024 presents the last realistic opportunity to feature in one of the three remaining Slams. Surprised? The 26-year-old will join the South Korean Army this December.
As per South Korea's law, able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 must serve in the armed forces for a period of 18-21 months, barring those winning an Olympic medal or gold at the Asian Games. For instance, footballer Son Heung Min was exempted after helping his nation win gold at the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta.
SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR
Hong fell short at the Hangzhou 2022 Asiad, winning two bronze medals in the singles and doubles competitions. Now, he wants to make use of the next nine months before swapping jerseys for a military uniform. "I want to play the Grand Slams this season. I must go to the army in December. So, this could also be the last year for me, travelling on the Tour. That is why I am enjoying myself currently and giving my best," said Hong, who lost 6-4, 3-6, 3-6 in the Bengaluru Open Challenger final to Italy's Stefano Napolitano on Sunday here. However, Hong will still be carrying his kit to the army, which has a tennis team. But he can only feature in tournaments in South Korea.
"May be, I can play for one hour. It is going to be different when I play there. But I can play tournaments in South Korea, the Challengers and the ITF. I will not be travelling for one and a half years, meaning I will not be able to compete with other players on the Tour. My rankings will surely take a dip," said Hong, the 2015 Australian Open boys' singles runners-up.
DEPENDS ON FITNESS
The player, who will have to follow the army's training regimen for the 18-month period, does not want to give up on his dreams too easily and hopes to make a return. But that could depend on his fitness and where his game stands.
"When I return to the Tour, I will be around 29, that means it will be tough for me physically and mentally. But I want to make a comeback, if I'm physically okay and if my family is okay to let me travel again. I love this competition (sport)," said Hong, who travels around the world with his wife, a former dentist, on the Tour.
