Deaf News: 17 year old Deaf tennis player to play Australian Open

A 17 year old Deaf tennis player is about to try and break into the big time by entering the Australian Open.

We know who we’ll be cheering on – even if he faces Andy Murray!

Extract from Tennis World: (you can also watch this subtitled video featuring him)

For Korean tennis star Duckhee Lee, impossible is nothing! Being deaf, the 17-year old Korean is all set to make his first appearance at Grand Slam level when plays the Australian Open.

One of the youngest amongst all the participants, Lee goes into the Australian Open ranked at a personal best of No.229 in the world. He jumped more than 250 spots last year from 505 to No.229 on the ATP Charts.

“I have achieved my dream of competing in a major,” he said. “I’m happy that I’m gradually making small steps to my goals.”

The Korean won seven (six on hard courts one on carpet) Futures tournaments organized by the International Tennis Federation which have helped him pocket a total of US $41,034 so far in early stages of his career.

He has a career win-loss record of 87-33 on the ITF level and would be gunning to make a successful transition to Men’s tennis.