(image: Korea Tennis Association)
SEOUL, Jan. 30 (Korea Bizwire) — Sales of tennis rackets and related products soared sharply recently as Chung Hyeon became the first South Korean to reach the semifinals at the Australian Open last week, industry sources said Tuesday.
The tennis star became the first South Korean to reach the semifinals at a Grand Slam event after he stormed into the last four at the Australian Open. The 21-year-old was forced to withdraw from his semifinal match against Roger Federer due to blisters on his foot, but his earlier opponents included six-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic and fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev.
Sales of tennis shoes jumped 55.3 percent for the week starting Jan. 22 from a week earlier, Shinsegae Mall said. Chung defeated Novak Djokovic on Jan. 22 to reach the quarterfinals.
Demand for other tennis goods surged 36.1 percent during the same time span, according to Shinsegae Mall.
The retailer said it will hold a promotional event for Lacoste and other brand tennis items worn by Chung during the Australian Open until Feb. 4, offering up to a 33 percent discount on the items. Lacoste is Chung Hyeon’s official sponsor.
(Yonhap)
