LONDON — Military service gave South Korean Soonwoo Kwon “maturity.” For a year and a half he has not been allowed to complain or get angry. Showing emotions is not permitted. Orders are followed, because if not, there are consequences. That is how he returned to the tennis circuit far more disciplined.
“The routine keeps him in great shape: he gets up at six to do a warm-up, has breakfast at 7.30, plays tennis from nine to eleven, has lunch at midday and more tennis until four in the afternoon. Another hour and a half of physical training before dinner at six in the evening… and then they give him permission to use his phone for a while,” explains Daniel Yoo.
Yoo is Kwon’s coach, and also an improvised interpreter: the 28-year-old does not speak English and needs Yoo to tell the world that he is one of the most compelling stories of Wimbledon 2026.
Kwon, a former world number 52 and two-time ATP title winner, is two weeks away from completing his 18 months of compulsory military service in South Korea.
Top-level athletes like him follow a special programme within the army to maintain their competitive rhythm. What cannot be avoided is the basic training in the opening six weeks: “They have to learn to fire a weapon, work as a team, climb a mountain, all of that.”
Kwon was only permitted to compete in events within his own country. For someone who has won ATP titles, the Futures and Challenger circuit felt small. “He did so well that the general in charge of his area allowed him to travel to other tournaments in the region. When he reached the ranking to qualify for Wimbledon qualifying, those higher up said: ‘He has to go and play.’ The federation also helped.”
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In peak physical condition and with a steely mindset, Kwon came through qualifying and beat Spanish player Martín Landaluce in the first round. Every time he won, he celebrated with a military salute, as required of him. This Wednesday he faces North American Tommy Paul in the second round.
North Korea, taboo
Talking about his neighbours to the north is not a subject Kwon finds comfortable.
The constant tension on the peninsula is the reason all South Korean men are required to complete military service. Technically, South Korea and North Korea are still at war because a peace treaty was never signed — only the 1953 armistice.
Faced with the threat of a neighbour armed to the teeth with warhead missiles, ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs, South Korea must keep its population prepared.
“What’s the sense among the South Korean soldiers about North Korea? Is it something you think a lot? Do you speak about it? Or is it kind of more an abstract subject?” CLAY asked.
Yoo received the question in English and relayed it to his player in his native tongue. Kwon let out a nervous laugh and answered in his own language. The coach laughed upon hearing Kwon’s response and warned: “This needs to be spoken really carefully, it’s kinda related to political stuff.”
The ATP press officer attempted to steer the conversation away and asked for no further questions on the matter; however, Yoo explained cordially that it is not a straightforward topic to discuss.
Are Kwon and the other soldiers forbidden from speaking about North Korea? “Not at all, he could answer it, but we rather just be careful on that one, please.”
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Kwon’s time as a soldier in the Korean army ends on Sunday 12 July — precisely the day of the Wimbledon 2026 men’s final.
If he does not pull off the one of the biggest surprises in tennis recent history, he will return in time to reunite with his army colleagues, to whom he promised to bring gifts from the official All England Club shop.
“My fellow soldiers are very jealous that I’m in London!” said Kwon, currently ranked 200th in the world, whose goal is to one day reach the top 10 and make history for South Korea.
Motivation and conviction he has in abundance: “A soldier never loses.”
