Korean Chung Hyeon was supremely sanguine about his 7-5 6-4 6-7 (4) 0-6 6-4 defeat to Kei Nishikori in the French…
By Ossian Shine
PARIS, June 4 (Reuters) – Korean Chung Hyeon was supremely sanguine about his 7-5 6-4 6-7 (4) 0-6 6-4 defeat to Kei Nishikori in the French Open third round on Sunday, and said the folks back home would not be too disappointed.
« In Korea everyone likes Kei because he is number one in Asia, » the 21-year-old smiled.
In any case, it was to some extent ‘mission accomplished’ for the South Korean.
« In my country tennis is not popular yet. So I want to make it more popular in Korea, I hope. »
While reporters probed Chung for remnants of disappointment, the player remained resolutely upbeat.
« Today was a tough match against Kei. It was really fast and good strokes. But I tried my best and maybe I’m waiting for another day.
« I hadn’t played Kei before, never practised. So it was a great experience for me, and a great honour to play against Kei.
« Maybe I want to be better next time. Yeah, it’s (been a) great experience in Paris. I make third round first time in a grand slam. And maybe I have more experience and I have to enjoy.
« I’m looking forward to another grand slam. »
Chung does not have long to wait with Wimbledon only a handful of weeks away.
A couple of good performances on south-west London’s lush lawns would go some way towards helping the world number 67 achieve his immediate goals.
« I want to break my highest ranking. So maybe I want to make top 50 first, and then maybe if I make top 50… » (Editing by Clare Fallon)
