Kwon Soon-woo (349th) and hong Seong-chan (150th), who were leading Korean men’s tennis, will enlist side by side in January 2025.
Kwon Soon-woo and Hong Seong-chan, who were born in 1997 and are the same age, announced on their social networking service (SNS) accounts on the 13th that they will enlist on January 13th next year.
Hong Seong-chan and Kwon Soon-woo are currently ranked 1st and 2nd among Korean players in the men’s professional tennis (ATP) singles world rankings.
If the two enlist next year, they are expected to be discharged in July 2026.
kwon Soon-woo is the first Korean player to win the ATP Tour singles title twice. He advanced to the third round at the 2021 French Open and rose to 52nd in the world rankings in 2021.
Seongchan Hong ranked 139th, his personal best, in September this year.
Kwon Soon-woo and Hong Seong-chan also played for the national team in last year’s Hangzhou asian Games and the Davis Cup, a national competition.
Kwon Soon-woo said on social media, “Even though my tour life will stop for nearly two years, I will come back with a more perfect appearance. There are manny people who say that it is difficult to start touring again after turning 30, but I am confident that I will reach my peak from the age of 30.” reported.
He continued,“I only achieved 20% of the 100% goal I wanted to achieve. “We will definitely achieve the Korean tennis that all tennis fans want,” he emphasized.
Seongchan Hong said, “After not being able to participate in international competitions for about two years, I ended up completing the first half of my dream for a while. “I will come back with a better image after I am discharged from the military,” he said, and pledged, “I will tell my unfinished story after I am discharged from the military.”
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How can young tennis players in Korea prepare for the transition period while Kwon and Hong are enlisted?
Title: A Conversation with Tennis Expert Dr. Lee on the Upcoming Enlistment of Korea’s Tennis Stars
Setting: The Time.news editorial office,buzzing with activity. An air of excitement fills the room as editor Alex Park prepares to interview Dr. Hyun Soo Lee, a renowned sports psychologist and tennis expert.
Alex Park: Welcome, Dr. Lee! It’s great to have you here. The news about Kwon Soon-woo and Hong Seong-chan enlisting for military service in January 2025 has stirred quite a conversation in the sports community.What’s your take on this growth?
Dr.Hyun Soo Lee: Thank you, Alex! It’s a pleasure to be here. Kwon and Hong are undoubtedly at a pivotal moment in their careers.Their enlistment as they peak in their professional journey is notable, not just for them personally, but for the trajectory of Korean tennis as a whole.
Alex Park: Absolutely! For context, they currently rank first and second among Korean ATP singles players, respectively. As you mentioned, their enlistment could impact the sport. What effects do you think this will have on the Korean tennis scene?
Dr. Hyun Soo Lee: Their enlistment could lead to a temporary void in top-level Korean tennis, notably given their recent successes. Kwon is the first Korean to win the ATP Tour singles title twice and both of them have demonstrated outstanding potential. Their absence for nearly two years could slow the momentum that Korean tennis has gained on the international stage, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the Davis Cup.
Alex Park: Speaking of the Davis Cup, these two were part of the team aiming for consecutive finals. How significant is their role in that framework?
Dr. Hyun Soo Lee: they’re integral.Their synergy on the court has been an unbelievable asset for the Korean team. If they’re absent, it could alter the team’s dynamics, making it more challenging for other players to step up. It’s essential that the next tier of players finds their footing during this transition period to keep the team’s competitive edge.
Alex Park: It sounds like there’s a lot of pressure for up-and-coming players. how do athletes typically cope with such transitions?
Dr. Hyun Soo Lee: Great question, Alex.athletes frequently enough deal with pressure thru mental training and support systems. In this case, the younger athletes can be encouraged by the legacy of Kwon and Hong, using their stories as motivation.It’s also about building resilience and adapting to challenges that come with the repercussions of enlisting.
Alex Park: and what can the tennis community do to support these athletes during this time?
Dr. hyun Soo lee: The community should rally around them. This includes providing mental health resources, fostering a supportive environment at clubs and schools, and encouraging fan engagement. Celebrating their achievements up to now can keep the public’s interest alive, even while they serve.
Alex park: Those are insightful suggestions. Looking ahead, what should fans expect once Kwon and Hong complete their enlistment in July 2026?
Dr. Hyun Soo Lee: When they return, fans can expect a resurgence of energy and excitement! Players often come back with renewed vigor after military service; it can serve as a mental reset. If they maintain their physical conditioning, they could reintegrate into the ATP circuit effectively. Their return could also inspire the next generation, drawing more young talent into the sport in Korea.
Alex Park: It sounds like a transformative experience awaits both the players and the tennis landscape in korea. Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights with us today!
Dr. Hyun Soo Lee: Thank you for having me, Alex! It’s an exciting time for Korean tennis, and I look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
Conclusion: As the editor wraps up the discussion, it’s clear that while the enlistment presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth and inspiration in Korean tennis. The community brims with anticipation for the future of it’s stars.