Tennis Player Lee Hyung-taik Ranked 38th in World: A Record for Korea

Lee Hyung-taik (31, Samsung Securities Co., Ltd.) is the first Korean tennis player to be ranked above 40.

On July 24, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) reported that Lee Hyung-taik rose four places from 42nd last week, placing him at 38th in the world. In May, Lee had vowed to beat the current record (41st) set by a Korean tennis player. He not only broke that record, he also holds the highest ranking amongst all Asian tennis players.

Lee Hyung-taik stays healthy and in shape while enjoying the game that he loves. His diligence and dedication have brought him to the top of his game at an age when senior tennis players chose to retire.

Lee tries not to fixate on his records, rankings, or titles; instead, he strives to have fun with the game itself. After starting on the tour, he has continually recorded better scores.

When he’s not playing tennis, Lee Hyung-taik enjoys relaxing with a round of golf. Though he doesn’t practice much, he boasts a game in the mid-80s. Since last year, the tennis coach for the Samsung Securities Co., Ltd. team, Yoon Yong-il, has been accompanying Lee on the green, as well.

Lee Hyung-taik will receive a 100-million won ranking bonus from Samsung Securities and leaves for Indianapolis to participate in the RCA Championships this week.

kjs0123@donga.com