South Korea has produced some of the world’s best tennis players over the years. From the emerging talent of Chung Hyeon to the veteran presence of Lee Hyung-taik, South Korean players have made their mark on the professional tennis circuit.
From Grand Slam winners to Olympic medallists, South Korean tennis stars have risen to the top of the sport and established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
We’ll be taking a closer look at the best tennis players in South Korea and their achievements.
1. Chung Hyeon
Chung Hyeon is a professional tennis player from South Korea who made history in 2017 when he became the Next Gen Finals champion as an unseeded player. This was an incredible achievement, and it set the stage for even greater success in the future.
In 2018, Chung Hyeon made history again when he became the first Korean player to reach a Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. This was an unbelievable feat and it was further proof of Chung Hyeon’s talent and skill as a tennis player.
He is an inspiration to many in South Korea and around the world, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to amazing success.
2. Lee Hyung-taik
Lee Hyung-talk is a former professional tennis player from South Korea who achieved a great deal during his career. He won one singles title and achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 36 in August 2007.
This accomplishment was particularly impressive considering the high level of competition in professional tennis. Lee Hyung-talk began his professional career in 2000 and quickly rose to the top of the rankings.
He won his first singles title in 2001 and followed that up with a number of other impressive performances. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No.
36 in August 2007, a feat only achieved by the very best players in the world. Even after his retirement in 2010, Lee Hyung-taik remains one of the most respected figures in the South Korean tennis community.
He is often cited as an inspiration to younger players and is still held in high regard by his peers and fans alike. Lee Hyung-taik’s success serves as a reminder of the incredible achievements that can be made with dedication and hard work.
He is a prime example of what can be achieved with dedication and perseverance, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of South Korean tennis players.
3. Cho Yoon-jeong
Cho Yoon-jeong is a former professional tennis player hailing from South Korea. During her career, she achieved great success, winning one doubles title on the WTA Tour.
This title was earned at the Seoul tournament in 2004. This win was a major milestone for Yoon-jeong’s career, as she was able to showcase her talent and skill in the world of professional tennis.
It was a huge accomplishment for her, as it opened up more opportunities and recognition for her. She was able to gain more attention and respect in the sport and establish herself as a formidable player.Yoon-jeong’s win also had an impact on the tennis scene in South Korea.
It showed that players from the country could compete at the highest level and be successful.
It also helped to inspire more aspiring tennis players in the country and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.Overall, Cho Yoon-jeong’s win was a major achievement in her career and a big moment for South Korean tennis.
Her success showed that players from the country can compete and succeed at the highest level of the sport. It is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport, and her win will surely be remembered for many years to come.
4. Yoon Yong-il
Yoon Yong-Il is a former professional South Korean tennis player who achieved success on both the Futures and Challenger circuits. He had his highest individual ranking on the ATP Tour on December 18, 2000, where he reached World number 140.
This was a remarkable accomplishment for a player from South Korea, which has yet to have a player reach the top 100.Yoon had a lot of success on the Futures and Challenger circuits, winning several tournaments over the years.
He was known for his powerful serve and forehand, which allowed him to outplay his opponents.
He also had good court positioning and an excellent strategy, which allowed him to outwit his opponents. Yoon Yong-Il’s career was ultimately cut short due to an injury, but his legacy still lives on in the tennis world.
His success on the Futures and Challenger circuits was an inspiration for many South Korean players to follow in his footsteps. He is remembered as one of the greatest South Korean tennis players of all time and a true pioneer for the sport in his country.
5. Chang Eui-jong
Chang Eui-jong was a former tennis player from South Korea who competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. He had earned a spot in the tournament as a qualifier, which is a feat in itself.
He faced off against Spain’s Jordi Arrese in the first round, but unfortunately, his Olympic dreams were short-lived as he was defeated.
Arrese ended up being the runner-up in the tournament, making Chang Eui-jong’s loss even more impressive, as he had gone up against one of the best players in the competition.
Despite the loss, Chang Eui-jong can be proud of his accomplishments and the fact that he was able to represent his native South Korea in the Olympic Games.
6. Kim Bong-soo
Kim Bong-soo is a former tennis player from South Korea who had a momentous moment at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. He achieved an unexpected victory over the favored French competitor, Henri Leconte.
This win was a major accomplishment for Kim Bong-soo as he had only been playing tennis competitively for a few years prior. Unfortunately, his run was cut short in the third round when he was defeated by Argentina’s Martín Jaite.
Despite the loss, Kim Bong-soo’s success at the Olympics was a major milestone in Korean tennis history. He proved that South Korean players could hold their own on the world stage and showed that South Koreans could compete with the best.
His example has since been an inspiration to many aspiring players, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
7. Kim Il-soon
Kim Il-soon is a retired female tennis player from South Korea. She has a long history of competing in professional tennis matches and twice represented her native country at the Summer Olympics.
The first time was in 1988, and the second was in 1992. At the 1988 Olympics, Kim Il-soon competed in the singles and doubles tournaments. She had a strong showing, making it to the round of 16 in singles, and the quarterfinals in doubles.
Four years later, she returned to the Olympics for the 1992 games in Barcelona. Here, she had an impressive performance in the singles tournament, making it to the round of 32 before being eliminated. Kim Il-soon had a successful career in professional tennis.
She was able to represent her country twice at the Summer Olympics and had a strong showing both times.
Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players from South Korea, and demonstrate the determination and hard work that is necessary to succeed in the sport.
8. Kim So-jung
Kim So-Jung is a South Korean former tennis player who achieved success in both singles and doubles. Her highest WTA singles ranking was 204, which she achieved on 20 September 2010.
This was a major accomplishment in her career, and she was able to maintain this spot for a significant amount of time. In addition to her singles success, Kim So-Jung was also successful in doubles, with her career-high ranking being 233, which she reached on July 17, 2006.
Kim So-Jung also achieved success in the mixed-doubles teams event, as she won silver for her team at the 2009 Universiade Games. Her team was able to defeat the Taiwanese team, showcasing her skill in the game.
Overall, Kim So-Jung had a successful career in tennis, achieving success in both singles and doubles. Her accomplishments are a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
9. Kim Jin-hee
Kim Jin-hee is a former professional tennis player from South Korea. She was born in Seoul in 1976 and began playing tennis at a young age. She quickly rose to success, becoming one of the most successful South Korean female tennis players of her time.
She competed in the Grand Slam tournaments, winning the Australian Open Mixed Doubles title in 1998. She also won singles titles on the WTA Tour and achieved a career-high singles ranking of world no.
33 in 1999. In addition to her success in tennis, Kim Jin-hee also represented South Korea in the Olympic Games in 2000 and 2004.
She won the silver medal in the women’s doubles event in Sydney in 2000, becoming the first South Korean tennis player to ever win a medal at the Olympics.
She was also able to reach the fourth round of the singles event in 2004 in Athens.Kim Jin-hee officially retired from professional tennis in 2008, but she remains an important figure in South Korean tennis history.
She is remembered as a player who was able to make a name for herself and her country in the international tennis world.
She was the first South Korean woman to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam singles tournament, and her success in the doubles event of the Olympic Games has inspired many young players to pursue a career in professional tennis.
10. Jun Woong-sun
Jun Woong-sun is a professional South Korean tennis player who has achieved a high level of success in his career. On May 26, 2008, he achieved his highest ranking in the ATP Tour, becoming the 230th best player in the world.
Since then, he has continued to play on both the Futures and Challenger circuits, competing against some of the best players in the world. Jun has been able to achieve success on both circuits, as well as on the ATP Tour, illustrating his skill as a professional tennis player.
He is a great example of the potential for success in the sport of tennis, and his accomplishments in the sport are highly commendable.
11. Lee Jeong-myung
Lee Jeong-myung is a retired female tennis player from South Korea who had a successful career in her sport. She was a prominent figure in the Korean tennis scene and represented her country at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
Her presence at the Olympics was seen as a great source of pride for her native country. The 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, was a special event for the country.
It was the first time they had ever hosted the Olympics and it was seen as a time of great pride and national celebration. Lee Jeong-myung was an important part of this event, as she was the first female tennis player to ever represent South Korea in the Olympics.
She was a symbol of the progress that the country had made in terms of sports and her presence at the event was a source of pride for the entire nation. Lee Jeong-myung’s career was marked by great success.
She had a string of impressive wins throughout her career and was a consistent presence in the top rankings of the Korean tennis scene. She was also a great ambassador for her country, representing South Korea in international tournaments.
Her success was a source of great pride for the country and she was seen as an important figure in the Korean tennis world. Lee Jeong-myung’s presence at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul was a great moment for her and for the country.
She was a symbol of the progress that South Korea had made in terms of sports and her presence was a source of pride and celebration for the entire nation.
Her career was marked by great success and her representation of South Korea in international tournaments was a great source of pride for her native country.
12. Park Sung-hee
Park Sung-hee is a former professional tennis player from South Korea who had a successful career in the sport. She was born in 1982 and made her debut on the WTA Tour in 2000.
She quickly rose to prominence in the world of tennis, reaching a career-high ranking of 50th in the world in 2008. She achieved notable successes in her career, including winning two WTA Tour titles in singles and one in doubles.
She also won a bronze medal at the 2004 Asian Games, representing South Korea. Park Sung-hee retired from the sport in 2011 and since then she has been a tennis coach and mentor to young tennis players.
She has also been involved in several philanthropic activities, such as launching the ‘Sung-hee Park Foundation’ to promote sports and science in her home country. Park Sung-hee is an inspirational figure who has made a lasting impact on Korean tennis.
13. Jeon Mi-ra
Jeon Mi-ra is an amazing South Korean athlete who had an impressive career in professional tennis. She was the runner-up in the 1994 Wimbledon Championships girls’ singles tournament, where she lost to Martina Hingis in a close match of 5–7, 4–6.
During her professional tennis career, Mi-ra won one WTA Tour doubles title and reached a career-high doubles ranking of No. 120 in October 2004. She was known for her powerful groundstrokes, consistent serve, and high level of athleticism.
Mi-ra was a great competitor and always gave her best on the court. She was a great role model for aspiring tennis players, showing them that hard work and dedication can take you far in the sport.
She was a great ambassador for Korean tennis and helped to popularize the sport in her home country. Despite her impressive career, Mi-ra fell short of becoming a Grand Slam champion, but she still made a lasting impression on the sport.
She was a great competitor and a great role model for aspiring tennis players, and she will always be remembered for her contributions to the sport.
14. Lee Jin-a
Lee Jin-a is a former professional tennis player from South Korea. She began playing tennis when she was only 11 years old and by December of 2010, her skill had been recognized as she had achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 158.
Even more impressive, on the 28th of February 2011, she had achieved a world No. 197 ranking in doubles, further demonstrating her abilities. Her dedication to the sport has paid off, as she has achieved a high level of success in tennis.
15. Im Kyu-tae
Im Kyu-tae is a former professional tennis player who enjoyed a successful career on the court. He competed in many of the major tournaments around the world and was widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation.
During his time as a professional tennis player, Kyu-tae won numerous singles and doubles titles, including some prestigious Grand Slam tournaments. He was also part of the South Korean Davis Cup team for several years, helping them to reach the final in 2003.
After retiring from professional tennis in 2010, Kyu-tae has been involved in the coaching and development of young players in South Korea. He has also opened a tennis academy in Seoul, where he provides coaching and mentoring to the next generation of South Korean tennis stars.
His experience and expertise as a former player will surely be invaluable in helping these up-and-coming players reach their full potential.
16. Yoo Jin-sun
Yoo Jin-sun was a South Korean tennis player who was selected to compete in the 1988 Summer Olympics. This was a historic event as it was the first Olympic Games to be held in South Korea.
Yoo was a qualifier for the competition, meaning he did not automatically qualify, but instead had to go through a series of qualifying tournaments to make it to the Olympics. At the Olympics, Yoo faced a tough challenge in the first round.
His opponent was Amos Mansdorf, an Israeli player who was the number twelve seed. Despite Yoo’s best efforts, he was defeated by Mansdorf in the first round.
This was a disappointing result for Yoo and his supporters, but his participation in the Olympics was still an accomplishment to be proud of.
Yoo’s experience at the Olympics serves as an inspiration for future South Korean athletes, showing that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
17. Song Dong-wook
Song Dong-wook is a former professional tennis player who represented South Korea at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. During the tournament, he faced off against American player Tim Mayotte in the first round.
Unfortunately, he was unable to overcome the eventual runner-up and was eliminated from the tournament. The 1988 Summer Olympics marked a significant moment in South Korean history, as it was the first time the country had hosted the Games.
It was a major event, and Song Dong-wook had the honor of representing his country in the tennis tournament. He was up against a formidable opponent in Tim Mayotte, who would eventually go on to become the runner-up of the tournament.
Despite putting up a valiant effort, Song Dong-wook was unable to secure a win and was eliminated in the first round.Despite the loss, Song Dong-wook’s appearance at the Olympics was a great achievement for someone from South Korea.
It showcased the country’s rising tennis talent and the pride that Song Dong-wook took in representing his homeland.
Although he was unable to go much further in the competition, his participation in the 1988 Summer Olympics was an impressive feat and a testament to the strength of South Korean tennis.
18. Chung Hee-seok
Chung Hee-seok is a former professional South Korean tennis player who reached his highest individual ranking on the ATP Tour on May 27, 2002, when he became World number 482.
This was an impressive feat as he was able to climb the ranks of the professional tennis world to reach such a high rank. Chung primarily focused his efforts on the Futures circuit and the Challenger circuit to reach his highest ranking.
The Futures circuit is a series of professional tennis tournaments, with the winner of each event receiving points which count towards their ranking.
The Challenger circuit is also a series of professional tournaments but with higher prize money and more points available for the winner.
Both circuits are part of the ATP Tour, which Chung was able to use to his advantage in order to rise up the rankings. Chung Hee-seok was able to achieve his highest individual ranking on the ATP Tour with the help of his dedication to competing on the Futures circuit and the Challenger circuit.
His success is a testament to the hard work and determination it takes to reach the top of the professional tennis world.
19. Kwon Soon-woo
Kwon Soon-woo is a South Korean professional tennis player. He has achieved great success in the sport, reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No. 52, which he first achieved in November 2021.
This accomplishment makes Kwon one of the most successful South Korean tennis players to date. Additionally, Kwon has achieved a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 227, which he attained in October 2022.
This impressive ranking further highlights Kwon’s success as a professional tennis player and his commitment to the sport. Kwon has been able to reach these milestones through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, showing that he is a talented and determined individual.
His accomplishments are a testament to the level of success that can be achieved with a passion for the game of tennis.
20. Jang Su-jeong
Jang Su-jeong is a professional tennis player from South Korea. She has had a successful career in both singles and doubles events on the WTA Challenger Tour and ITF Women’s Circuit.
She has won one singles title and one doubles title on the WTA Challenger Tour, as well as 12 singles tournaments and 15 doubles events on the ITF Women’s Circuit. This impressive record has enabled Jang to reach a career-high singles ranking of world No. 114 on 11 July 2022.
Jang has proven to be a highly skilled and successful player on the professional tennis circuit, and her achievements are certainly something to be admired.
21. Kwon Oh-hee
Kwon Oh-hee is a South Korean professional tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success in both singles and doubles play. In singles play, Kwon has reached a career-high ATP ranking of 288, which he achieved on June 12th, 2006.
In doubles play, Kwon has achieved an even higher ranking of 452, which he achieved on May 26th, 2008. Additionally, Kwon has won a total of eleven ITF singles titles and fourteen ITF doubles titles.
This is an impressive accomplishment, as it displays Kwon’s ability to excel in both singles and doubles play. Kwon’s success has not only been felt on the court, but off the court as well, as he has become a role model for aspiring tennis players in South Korea.
His success and determination have helped to inspire a generation of tennis players in the country, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
22. Kim Choon-ho
Kim Choon-ho is a retired tennis player who had a highly successful career in his native South Korea. He began playing tennis in his early teens and quickly rose up the ranks, becoming one of the top players in his country.
During his professional career, he won several national tournaments and represented South Korea in several international tournaments, such as the Davis Cup.
He was also part of the South Korean team that competed in the Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008. Kim Choon-ho had an impressive career that spanned more than a decade.
He was ranked as high as number 17 in the world and was the first South Korean to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament, which he did at the French Open in 2004. He also made it to the fourth round of the US Open in 2006.
In addition to his success on the court, Kim Choon-ho was also a role model for young South Korean tennis players, helping to inspire a new generation of players. Kim Choon-ho retired from professional tennis in 2009 and now works as a tennis instructor in his home country.
His legacy in South Korean tennis has been recognized by the Korean Tennis Association, which has awarded him the title of Honorary Member. His achievements on the court have been celebrated by the South Korean media and his name is well known throughout the country.
23. Kim Dong-hyun
Kim Dong-hyun is an accomplished former professional tennis player who made his mark in South Korean sports history. He began playing tennis as a young boy, training with his father, and quickly rose to the ranks of the best players in the country.
He competed in various tournaments throughout his career, including the national championships. He was known for his powerful groundstrokes and his fearless approach to the game.
As his career progressed, he achieved success at the highest levels of professional tennis, becoming one of the most successful and respected tennis players in South Korea.
Following his retirement, he became a coach and mentor to many aspiring professional tennis players, helping them to hone their skills and reach their highest potential.
Kim Dong-hyun has left a lasting legacy in South Korean tennis, and his accomplishments will continue to be remembered for many years to come.
24. Suk Hyun-joon
Suk Hyun-joon is a former professional tennis player from South Korea. He was born and raised in Pohang and was highly ranked in the ITF Junior Circuit, reaching as high as 11th.
During his time as a student at Myongji University, Suk was chosen to represent South Korea at the 2005 Summer Universiade.
This international multi-sport event is held every two years and is an opportunity for university students from all over the world to demonstrate their skills in several different sports.
Representing his home country in the Universiade was an important milestone in Suk’s career and a testament to his dedication to the sport of tennis.
25. Bae Nam-ju
Bae Nam-ju is a former professional tennis player from South Korea. During his career as a professional player, Bae achieved impressive rankings, reaching a career high of 428 in singles and 399 in doubles.
He also made a single appearance in the doubles of the 1990 KAL Cup Korea Open on the ATP Tour. This event is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, and Bae’s appearance is a testament to his prowess as a professional tennis player.
Bae’s strong performance, especially in the doubles competition, is a great example of the talent and skill that Korean players can bring to the court.
He was able to achieve a ranking of 428 in singles, which is an impressive feat considering the level of competition in the sport. Furthermore, he was able to reach a career high of 399 in doubles, which is a remarkable accomplishment.
Overall, Bae Nam-ju is a former professional tennis player who achieved impressive rankings in both singles and doubles. His single appearance in the doubles of the 1990 KAL Cup Korea Open is a testament to his talent and skill as a player.
He is a great example of the amazing talent and skill that Korean players can bring to the game of tennis.
26. Chung Jong-sam
Chung Jong-sam was a professional tennis player from South Korea. He was a highly-ranked player, achieving a best ranking of 516 in singles and 420 in doubles.
He was also a regular competitor in the singles qualifying draw for the prestigious Australian Open and even made an appearance in the main draw of the ATP Tour at the 1996 Korea Open in doubles.
His success in the sport is a testament to his skill and dedication, as well as the increasing prominence of South Korean players on the international tennis circuit.
27. Chung Hee-sung
Chung Hee-sung is a former professional tennis player from South Korea. He began his professional career in the mid-1990s and achieved a peak singles world ranking of 680. Chung graduated from Samil Technical High School in Suwon.
He had a successful career, as he was a quarter-finalist at the ATP Challenger tournament in Seoul in 1995. This high-level performance is quite impressive, given the competitive nature of professional tennis.
Chung’s success is a testament to his dedication and hard work in the sport.
28. Lee Sang-hoon
Lee Sang-hoon is a former South Korean professional tennis player. He graduated from Konkuk University in South Korea, and his career mainly involved competing in satellite and Futures level tournaments.
His most notable achievement was qualifying for the 1995 Australian Open, becoming the first South Korean man to do so. Additionally, he reached the quarter-finals in the 1995 Seoul Challenger.
This performance was exceptionally impressive, considering the level of competition he was up against. Lee Sang-hoon was an important figure in the South Korean tennis scene, and he has left a lasting legacy.
29. Han Min-kyu
Han Min-kyu is a former professional tennis player from South Korea. He achieved a career-high singles world ranking of 742 during his time in the sport.
Han was mainly active at the satellite/Futures level of tennis, which is considered to be the lower-level professional tournaments. His success in tennis was complemented by his studies at Soonchunhyang University, where he was a student at the same time as his tennis career.
This combination of tennis and academics demonstrates Han’s commitment and dedication to both sports and academics. Furthermore, it demonstrates his ability to manage his time and prioritize his activities.
30. Kim Nam-hoon
Kim Nam-hoon is a South Korean former professional tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success. He is a graduate of Yeungnam High School in Daegu, and attended Ulsan University during his college years.
His greatest accomplishment in tennis was when he won a gold medal in men’s doubles at the 1993 Summer Universiade in Buffalo. This was a great honor for Kim, as it marked his first international success in his tennis career.
Kim Nam-hoon has also competed in a number of other international tournaments. He made it to the quarterfinals of the 1994 Australian Open in the men’s doubles category and reached the semifinals of the 1995 Japan Open in the same category.
He also competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and was part of the South Korean team that won gold in the men’s doubles event. Kim Nam-hoon’s career in professional tennis has been marked by a great deal of success.
He was an important part of the South Korean team during his time, and his accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is an inspiration to others and continues to be a figurehead in the South Korean tennis community.
31. Lee Duk-hee
Lee Duk-hee is a former professional tennis player from South Korea who achieved a great deal of success in her career. She first began playing tennis when she was only 16 years old, and quickly rose to the top of the Korean tennis scene.
She won the Korean Open in 1981, and reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 1984.
She was the first female tennis player from South Korea to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament, and was also the first South Korean to compete at the WTA Tour Championships. Lee Duk-hee was a consistent presence in the Top 100 of the world rankings from 1983 to 1989.
She reached the pinnacle of her career in 1985, when she reached a career-high ranking of #17 in the world.
She also reached the semi-finals of the Japan Open and the French Indoors that year and won several doubles titles along the way. Despite her success on the court, Lee Duk-hee’s career was marred by controversy.
She was suspended for a year by the International Tennis Federation after being found guilty of match-fixing. After returning to the tour, she was never able to reach the same level of success as before.
She retired in 1993, but her legacy remains as one of the most successful South Korean tennis players of all time.
Conclusion
Overall, South Korea is home to some of the world’s best tennis players. They have achieved great success in the international arena, consistently outperforming their peers and showing that they have the talent and skills to compete with the top players from around the world.
South Korea’s tennis players have a great legacy that continues to inspire future generations of tennis players from the country.
