Hyeon Chung is a South Korean professional tennis player who made history as the first Korean to reach a Grand Slam semifinal at the 2018 Australian Open. He achieved a career-high ranking of No. 19 in the ATP rankings and is the 2017 Next Gen Finals champion.
You can follow Hyeon Chung’s biography, personal details, career overview, net worth, prize money, career earnings, endorsements, stats, achievements, and more here.
Hyeon Chung’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Hyeon Chung |
| Date of Birth | May 19, 1996 |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Birthplace | Suwon, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Turned Professional | 2014 |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Career-High Ranking | No. 19 (April 2, 2018) |
| Instagram Profile | @hyeonchung |
Hyeon Chung was born on May 19, 1996, in Suwon, South Korea. He comes from a tennis-loving family, with his father Seok-Jin being a former tennis player. Chung’s mother, Young-Mi, and his brother Hong have also been supportive of his tennis career.
Chung began playing tennis at the age of six. As a teenager, Chung spent 2 years training at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida before returning to South Korea.
Professional Career
Hyeon Chung turned professional in 2014. In 2015, Chung broke into the Top 150 in February and the Top 100 in May. He received a wildcard for the Miami Open, reaching the second round of this prestigious Masters-level tournament.
He made his Grand Slam main draw debut at Wimbledon and won his first Grand Slam match at the US Open. His impressive progress earned him the 2015 ATP Most Improved Player award.
Chung’s breakthrough year came in 2017 when he reached the semifinals of the BMW Open in Munich and the third round of the French Open. He capped off the year by winning the Next Generation ATP Finals in Milan, defeating Andrey Rublev in the final.
However, it was at the 2018 Australian Open where Chung truly announced himself on the world stage. He became the first South Korean player to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, defeating top players like Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic en route.
Hyeon Chung’s Net Worth Details
Hyeon Chung’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his prize money, endorsements, and other sources as a professional tennis player.
Prize Money
| Category | Prize Money |
| 2017 Next Generation ATP Finals | $390,000 |
| 2018 Australian Open | A$880,000 (approximately) |
Career Earnings
Throughout his career, Chung has earned a total of $3,735,389 in prize money from both singles and doubles competitions.
This substantial sum reflects his success on the professional tour, particularly his deep run at the 2018 Australian Open..
Endorsements
Hyeon Chung has secured several notable endorsement deals throughout his professional tennis career:
- Lacoste
- Yonex
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
| Career-High Ranking | 19 |
| Career Win-Loss Record | 86-69 |
| Titles | 0 |
| Grand Slam Quarterfinals | 1 |
| Grand Slam Semifinals | 1 |
Achievements
- First Korean player to reach a Grand Slam semifinal (2018 Australian Open)
- 2017 Next Gen Finals champion
- Gold medalist in doubles at the 2014 Asian Games
- Reached a career-high ranking of No. 19 in 2018
FAQs
1. Who is Hyeon Chung?
Hyeon Chung is a professional tennis player from South Korea, born on May 19, 1996, in Suwon. He rose to fame after becoming the first Korean to reach a Grand Slam semifinal at the 2018 Australian Open. Known for his defensive skills and baseline consistency, Chung has been a trailblazer for Korean tennis.
2. What is Hyeon Chung’s highest ATP ranking?
Chung achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 19 in April 2018, following his historic run to the Australian Open semifinals. This remains the highest ranking ever attained by a South Korean male tennis player.
3. What are Hyeon Chung’s notable career achievements?
Chung won the 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals and reached the semifinals of the 2018 Australian Open, defeating Novak Djokovic en route. He also holds titles at ATP Challenger events and was named the ATP’s “Most Improved Player” in 2015.
4. Why did Hyeon Chung take a break from professional tennis?
Chung faced persistent injuries, including chronic back issues and foot blisters, which forced him to take multiple breaks starting in 2018. He underwent surgery and spent years rehabilitating before attempting comebacks in 2022 and 2024.
5. Has Hyeon Chung made a successful comeback to tennis?
Yes, Chung returned to competitive tennis in 2024, winning the M25 Bali title in January 2025—his first singles title since 2019. This marked a milestone in his ongoing recovery from injuries.
6. What is Hyeon Chung’s playing style?
Chung is a right-handed counterpuncher with a two-handed backhand, renowned for his speed, defensive skills, and ability to slide on hard courts. His style draws comparisons to Novak Djokovic, emphasizing baseline consistency and tactical precision.
7. Did Hyeon Chung ever defeat Novak Djokovic?
Yes, Chung defeated Djokovic in straight sets during the fourth round of the 2018 Australian Open. This victory was notable as Djokovic was returning from an elbow injury and had previously dominated the tournament.
8. What injuries have impacted Hyeon Chung’s career?
Chronic back injuries, ankle problems, and severe foot blisters (notably during the 2018 Australian Open semifinal) have disrupted his career. These issues led to extended absences from the ATP Tour between 2018 and 2023.
9. What is Hyeon Chung’s current ATP ranking?
Chung is ranked No. 725 in ATP singles. His ranking reflects his gradual return to competitive play after years of injury-related hiatuses.
10. How has Hyeon Chung influenced tennis in South Korea?
Chung’s success, particularly his 2018 Australian Open run, significantly raised tennis’s profile in South Korea. He inspired a new generation of players and became the first Korean to break into the ATP Top 20, cementing his legacy as a national sports icon.
