After a lengthy absence of two and a half years due to injuries, Hyeon Chung is facing significant challenges in his return to competitive tennis. The former Australian Open semi-finalist and world No. 19 was sidelined from September 2020 until April 2023, forcing him to restart his career from scratch—a daunting task in both sports and life. As Chung approaches his 29th birthday next year, he has participated in seven matches in 2023, with an equal number played prior to this week in 2024.
This week, Chung encountered another setback at the M15 Futures event in Bali. Receiving a wild card entry, he suffered a tough 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 defeat to 20-year-old Belarusian Erik Arutiunian, in a match that lasted two hours and 16 minutes. After a challenging start, Chung found his rhythm in the second set, overcoming a 4-1 deficit in the final set and creating opportunities to complete his comeback. However, he failed to convert two break points in the 11th game, which ultimately led to his downfall as Arutiunian secured a break in the following game.
The match statistics reflected a closely contested battle, with Arutiunian winning four points more than Chung, aided by his ability to save seven of nine break points he faced. The Belarusian capitalized on three breaks from eight opportunities, including the crucial break in the final stages of the match.
Chung struggled early, facing three break points in the second game but managed to fend them off. However, he could not prevent Arutiunian from converting a break in the sixth game, which allowed the young player to take a 4-2 lead. Arutiunian then solidified his advantage by serving for the set at 5-3 and closed it out comfortably.
In the second set, Chung improved his performance, breaking Arutiunian in the sixth game to take his first lead. Despite facing pressure, he held serve at 5-2, although Arutiunian fought back to save four set points and extend the set. Ultimately, Chung held serve at 5-4 to force a decisive third set.
In the final set, Arutiunian initially took control with a break in the fourth game, extending his lead to 4-1. However, Chung rallied, breaking back in the seventh game and holding serve to level the score at 4-4. He then showcased his serving skills, hitting three aces to close the tenth game at 5-5.
Despite creating two break points in the 11th game, Chung could not convert, allowing Arutiunian to hold serve and gain momentum. In the 12th game, the world No. 721 secured a crucial break, sealing the match and sending Chung home empty-handed once again.
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