Smy Tennis News|Hong Kong Appoints USTA Coaching Director Steven Host to Lead National Tennis Development

Hong Kong has hired Steven Host, a high-profile coaching executive from the United States Tennis Association, to lead its tennis development. Host brings global experience from the ATP and WTA tours and will be responsible for nurturing both elite athletes and the next generation of talent.

 

Hong Kong Appoints USTA Coaching Director Steven Host to Lead National Tennis Development

April 17, 2025 — In a strategic move to enhance the future of tennis in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Tennis Association (HKCTA) has announced the appointment of Steven Host as the new Director of Player Development. Host, currently Director of Racquet Sports at the United States Tennis Association (USTA), will begin his new role in May.

Reporting jointly to the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and the HKCTA, Host will oversee player development programs and coaching teams, working closely with top local athletes including Coleman Wong Chak-lam and Cody Wong Hong-yi, as well as emerging junior players.

“Steven has a blend of experience covering on-court coaching, and management and administration,” said Michael Cheng Ming-git, President of the HKCTA. “He has a track record of producing top-tier players and is aligned with international standards. His appointment is a strategic match for Hong Kong tennis.”

 

Extensive International Coaching Experience

Steven Host, 48, is originally from South Africa and has served as a national coach for Finland, where he helped transform the country’s tennis culture. At the USTA, he was responsible for all on-court delivery at the national campus in Florida.

His coaching résumé includes several world-class players:

• Harri Heliovaara, current ATP World No. 3 in men’s doubles and multiple grand slam doubles champion

• Henri Kontinen, former ATP World No. 1 in doubles and two-time slam winner

• Emil Ruusuvuori, ATP top-40 singles player and runner-up at the 2024 Hong Kong Tennis Open

In addition, Host coaches his 17-year-old son Ty Host, currently ranked as Australia’s top junior player.

A Critical Moment for Hong Kong Tennis

The appointment comes at a pivotal time. In March 2025, Hong Kong tennis narrowly retained its Tier A public funding status, thanks to a government criteria change. To maintain this elite funding level through 2027, Hong Kong players must deliver strong performances at the National Games in November or the Asian Games in Nagoya next year.

 

However, Cheng emphasized that Host’s mission goes beyond short-term results.

“Tier A status is important, but we are also looking ahead. Steven will lead our long-term strategy, increasing participation and building the next generation of champions,” Cheng said.

As the city ramps up its ambitions on the regional and international stage, Host’s global perspective and proven leadership could mark a turning point for Hong Kong tennis.