Hong Kong tennis star Jack Wong ditches studies to enrol in sport's school of hard knocks
Local teenager is determined to make it as a professional player on the ATP circuit
Teenage siblings Jack Wong Hong-kit and Cody Wong Hong-yi could represent the next generation of tennis in Hong Kong, but even Cody is surprised by her brother's dedication.
"I'm 13 and when I get older, I don't think I will be able to follow the path of my brother," says the Diocesan Girls School student, referring to 16-year-old Jack's decision last September to quit school to devote himself fully to becoming a professional - with the blessing of mum and dad.
"Cody will not be able to do what I have done even if she wants to. My parents will never allow her to give up her studies because they know how tough it is trying to become a professional tennis player," Jack says. "It is a hard life when you start out, but I'm willing to take that chance and my parents are backing me all the way."
Cody will not be able to do what I have done even if she wants to. My parents will never allow her to give up her studies because they know how tough it is trying to become a professional tennis player
Jack left La Salle College to pursue his dream. Next month he takes a major step when he plays in three ITF Futures tournaments at Victoria Park, the first level in a three-tiered progression towards becoming a professional on the ATP circuit.
"The next two to three years will be important," says Jack. "If I do well, I will keep on going, but if I find I'm not good enough then I will go back to my studies. If I study now and wait until my exams are over I will be 20 and it will be too late.
"My only chance is now. I can always go back and study, but I can never get back this opportunity to turn professional. If I don't take it, it will be gone forever."
Sister Cody explains how hard it is to mix both: "School is from 8am to 3.40pm for me, after that I go to the Sports Institute to train from 4pm to 8pm. I then return home [in Yuen Long] around 9pm, have my dinner and start on my homework. I go to bed every night after 11pm. It is very tiring."