At just 20, Rafael Nadal Academy talent shocks the Miami Open by upsetting Ben Shelton

Coleman Wong, a Hong Kong tennis player training at the Rafael Nadal Academy, delivered a shocker at the Miami Open, defeating World No. 13 Ben Shelton.

Coleman Wong of Hong Kong celebrates his win against Ben Shelton on Day 5 of the Miami Open. © Al Bello/Getty ImagesColeman Wong of Hong Kong celebrates his win against Ben Shelton on Day 5 of the Miami Open.

Hong Kong’s 20-year-old tennis sensation Coleman Wong is having a breakout week at the Miami Open. Training under the prestigious Rafael Nadal Academy, Wong secured his first-ever Masters 1000 victory in the opening round against Daniel Altmaier before pulling off a stunning upset against World No. 13 Ben Shelton in the second round, prevailing in three sets.

Currently ranked No. 128 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Wong is the second-lowest-ranked player in the past decade to reach the third round in Miami, following Martin Damm, who achieved the feat as World No. 204 in 2024.

“I always believe in myself on these big stages… I went through tough times during COVID, not playing for a year and a half. I’m so lucky to have a team that kept supporting me. I’m very happy, and this is for you, Hong Kong,” Wong shared after the match.

Wong, who joined the Rafael Nadal Academy at 17, quickly impressed coaches with his potential. As a junior, he claimed doubles titles at the 2021 US Open and Australian Open and became the first player from Hong Kong since 1972 to win an ATP match in 2024.

Coleman Wong of Hong Kong celebrates his win against Ben Shelton on Day 5 of the Miami Open. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Coleman Wong of Hong Kong celebrates his win against Ben Shelton on Day 5 of the Miami Open. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Nadal congratulates Wong on his win

The bond between Nadal and Wong runs deep, with Wong having trained extensively with the Spanish legend at the academy. After Wong’s victory over Shelton, Nadal took to social media to celebrate the milestone. “There is a lot of effort behind these victories. We are very proud of you, Coleman! A historic win for Hong Kong,” Nadal wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Wong, grateful for the support, responded to Nadal’s message. “It’s crazy. I’ve trained with him several times, and we have a great relationship. He always gives me advice when I see him at the academy,” Wong told ATPTour.com. “I’m quite an emotional guy, so I’m thrilled he knows I’m doing well. Thank you, Rafa”.

The day Wong took a set off Nadal

As a member of the Rafael Nadal Academy, Wong has often sparred with the 22-time Grand Slam champion. On one occasion, he even managed to win a set against Nadal during a practice session, an experience his coach James Allenby called transformative.

“The first time he took a set off Rafa, during the 2023 preseason, it was thrilling,” Allenby shared. “Rafa wasn’t at 100%, working on specific things, but it was still an incredible experience. Winning a practice set against Rafa might have meant more to him than winning a tournament. For Coleman, it was like beating a god”.

Allenby recounted a notable stretch of practices. “Over four days, they played three sets, and Coleman won 2-1. Even though Rafa was coming off a vacation, playing more relaxed, it gave Coleman so much confidence. He realized his tennis wasn’t that far behind”.