Duckhee Lee made history when he became the first deaf player to compete and win an ATP main draw match at the Winston-Salem Open. He sat down with ITFtennis.com to talk idols, memories and more...

You attracted a lot of attention when you became the first deaf player to win a match on the ATP Tour – What did this win mean to you?

DL: To be honest with you, it’s still a bit of a daze. I’m still overwhelmed with joy. I was praised by lots of fans, thanks to everyone.

It was an unexpected game to win but, having now got my first surprising ATP tour win, I want to continue to win more. As a deaf player, it is difficult as there are a lot of of barriers to overcome but I want to prove that I am just a normal player like the others, and to show my ability to the world. It will take time, but step by step I will move up for sure.

Where was your first tennis court? Can you tell us a little about it?

DL: I was born and raised in Jechon city two hours from Seoul, the capital city of Korea. I can clearly remember visiting my middle school tennis court near home at the age of seven, for the first time. Seeing this unusual sport with the strange long stick like a butterfly net which was called a 'racket'. I felt love at first sight and I cried like a baby until I got what I wanted. 

What are your earliest memories of playing tennis?

DL: My older cousin was a tennis player. Of course I was jealous as a kid. But that motivation actually lead me to be a tennis player. I even envy Roger Federer, but again, this gives me the hope and ambition that one day I could also become a big star. I watched so many tennis games on the TV when I was young and I still do this frequently. Through doing so I learn a lot and imagine the future. Tennis is my dream.

Who has had the biggest impact on your career so far and why?

DL: Because I cannot hear, my parents have always given me that extra love, for sure. Even now, the help and support from them is the same as it has been from day one. Thank you Mom and Dad. I guess their efforts have really influenced me to make the right choices and do the right thing. They have had the biggest impact on my career.

Did you ever fancy a career as anything else other than a professional tennis player?

DL: I never thought about anything else. Only tennis. I want to be a tennis star. Being a player on the tour is a great honour. So, I don’t want to lose this chance. I will work hard and commit myself solely to tennis. I really want to one day play in a crowded arena and feel the support and enthusiasm of the fans.

You received a lot of support and positive reaction following your maiden ATP victory, do you have any words for your fanbase?

DL: I appreciate all the love from my fans, they cheer me up and encourage me to play my best. The best way to pay them back for their support is not just win the a title. More importantly, it’s that I always conduct myself in a professional manner. If I live steadily on and off the court, there won’t be any troubles. These healthy thoughts can help others and are especially important for younger players. We need to realise that almost everybody judges a person by their conduct.

Who are your role models? Both on-court and off-court

DL: Definitely Roger Federer. When can I meet my hero?

What’s been your most memorable match so far in your career? Why?

DL: In 2018 at Roland Garros. 3^rd round qualifying (7-6 0-6 6-7) with the Spanish player Jaume Munar. I had match points in my hands on several occasions but could not see it out. It was the biggest match for me, it still lingers in my mind. Another chance will come you’ll see.

The next most memorable match was at the recent Winston-Salem Open. The opponent was ATP ranked at 41, Polish player Hubert Hurkacz. It was a learning game and I gained great experience from it.

Have you had any major setbacks in your career? What were they and how did you deal with them?

DL: Recently I had surgery on the fourth finger of my left hand left and I was wearing a cast. This was my first major injury. To recover, six or more weeks was needed, and this was quite frustrating. But I overcame this. I try to never be depressed and to think about everything with a smile when possible. It works every time.

What are your aims for the future?

DL: Currently I’m playing challenger events but soon I want to play at the real tour stage. This is my first goal…then after that, I want to move up to play a Gland Slam.

In recent months, you've drawn praise from top players such as Andy Murray and Tennys Sandgren for your talent to be able to play tennis without your hearing. Do you have anything to say about their kind words?

I met Andy Murray at Wimbledon in 2015, we took a picture together! I also played once against Tennys Sandgren at a Vancouver challenger in 2017. It is a huge honour to hear such a compliment. The good words will help me to improve and I appreciate the encouragement from those big stars. It would be a pleasure to meet them again.