There are three ATP Tour events this week with many of the world’s biggest stars in action. One player in the doubles draw at the Eugene Korea Open Tennis Championships stands out: Hyeon Chung.
The South Korean, who won the 2017 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals and advanced to the Australian Open semifinals less than three months later, has not competed since September 2020 due to a back injury. Chung is returning to the doubles court alongside compatriot Soonwoo Kwon.
“Because of my injuries, I needed [permanecer al margen] during the [últimos] years and I finally got back on the court,” Chung said. “I feel so happy to play tennis again.”
According to Chung, his lower back injury required constant treatment and rehabilitation, which is why he was unable to compete since qualifying for Roland Garros in 2020. He only played six matches at all levels that year.
“I had to treat and rehab, treat and rehab all the time,” Chung said. “Later [fue] training, training, training and rehab for two years.”
Although Chung is only playing doubles this week, he will soon return to singles. The South Korean plans to play on the ATP Challenger Tour in his home country in the coming weeks and see how it goes.
“[Mi] sure first target is [no sufrir] injuries, so I want to stay healthy,” Chung said. “This is my first competition after two years, so I don’t want to rush, I don’t want to push too hard.”
Not too long ago, Chung was one of the fastest rising players on the ATP Tour. After reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2018, he soon reached a career-high No. 19 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. Now he doesn’t have a ranking.
But Chung, who has missed competition the most during his time away, remains patient and enjoys this moment as he begins his journey back to the top of the sport.
“[Hay] a lot of feelings that come together, like happiness and a little nervousness because I didn’t play for two years,” Chung said. “But I am happy to play again, especially at home, where I live in Seoul.”
