Kwon Soon-woo returns to Wimbledon main draw after two-year absence

Kwon Soon-woo is set to make his return to the main draw of Wimbledon, the prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournament, for the first time in two years. The 29-year-old South Korean player secured his spot by defeating Spain's Alejandro Moro Canas in the third round of the qualifying stages.

Ranked world No. 202, Kwon emerged victorious against Moro Canas (ranked 233rd) with a commanding 3-0 scoreline (6-4, 7-6, 6-3) at the All England Club in London. Having successfully navigated all three qualifying matches, Kwon has earned a coveted ticket to the main draw, which features 128 competitors.

This Wimbledon appearance holds particular significance for Kwon as he is scheduled to complete his mandatory military service next month. His participation in the tournament marks his final competition as a soldier, adding a poignant layer to his return to the grass courts.

Kwon, once considered a prominent figure in South Korean men's tennis, has recently shown a resurgence in form. He captured his first singles title at the ATP Gwangju Open Challenger in April and followed it up with another victory at the Wuxi Open Challenger in China, which paved his way to the Wimbledon qualifiers. His best performance at Wimbledon to date was reaching the second round in 2021.