Hong Kong tennis star Coleman Wong Chak-lam failed to capitalise on his lucky loser opportunity at the Mexican Open after throwing away a one-set lead in the first round.
The world No 125, who reached his career-high ranking after a quarter-final run at the Delray Beach Open in Florida last week, lost 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to Valentin Vacherot in just under two hours on Monday in Mexico.
Held against the backdrop of a wave of violence in Mexico following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho”, on Sunday, the tournament in Acapulco is celebrating its 33rd edition after beginning as an ATP 250 event in 1993, and then later upgrading to an ATP 500 event in 2000.
With speculation rife that it could be cancelled because of the violent reaction of cartels to the powerful drug lord’s death, officials were forced to release a statement saying things would be “proceeding normally”.
Wong, who was beaten 6-3, 6-0 in his qualifier by American Patrick Kypson, only reached the first round because Canadian Gabriel Diallo withdrew from the tournament.
Asked about the game and the decision to remain in an area where civilians had been told to stay indoors, Wong declined to comment.
