Bobbing to music in his headphones, the only NYC player in the Wheelchair Juniors sped between courts to cheers—arriving late to his singles match at the US Open’s 20th Anniversary of Wheelchair Tennis Inclusion. He loomed over his British opponent at face-off but shrank in defeat. He later forfeited his doubles match due to his partner’s medical emergency.
Able News spoke with 17-year-old Maximus Wong about his grand slam US Open debut.
Can you walk us through game day and your first time competing at the US Open?
“It felt pretty surreal to be here. The first thing that came to my mind I was like, ‘Oh My God, I’m actually in the sight of the US Open, where all the professionals are.’ Even just being able to get my credentials for the first time and using the app to get transportation, it’s like, ‘what do you mean this is all for me?’ I was pretty excited the whole time, having the crowd and the atmosphere is just completely different from what I’m used to from regular tournaments. I was trying to focus on the match itself … I kind of was scared I would lose, and I mean, I did lose, but it’s okay.”
Where did the love for tennis first start?
“I actually grew up playing here on site at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) with my coach. She used to run clinics every Sunday. I also used to do the trophy presentations for the pro wheelchair players. I would hand them their trophies every year … and I always said to myself, ‘one day I’m gonna make it to this big stage. I don’t care how long it takes.’ I’m part of USTA’s High Performance program. So, when I got invited for the first time for the World Team Cup in Italy in 2021, that’s when I decided I wanted to take this seriously. That’s been my dream, to play in my hometown, so it meant a lot to me that I got in.”
What did the losses teach you and what has the sport given you?
“It taught me acceptance, to accept it. Everybody has a bad day and unfortunately, those were my bad days but it’s a great learning experience. Tennis has given me so much in my life: so many opportunities, so many connections with different foundations, different people, different coaches, all around the world. Without tennis, I’d be in a whole other place.”
How important is your family’s support to you on this journey?
“My family’s been my biggest supporter since day one; I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. They’re the ones that pushed me so hard, got me to where I am today. After the match, my mom whispered in my ear, ‘don’t worry about the results, we’re all proud of you for being able to play here on this big stage.’”
What would you say to those kids who are still trying to get into tennis?
“Just do it. The most important part is to have fun with it and if you decide to pursue it, then do whatever it takes. Having a disability doesn’t define who you are on the court. When you’re on court, especially with disabled sports, it’s a whole other feeling; it’s like you’re not really disabled, it’s almost like you’re able-bodied in a way.”