Greatness takes perseverance. No athlete achieves top spot on a whim. Especially when on the unconventional route of pursuing athletic aspirations from an island nation. Local top tennis player Maximus Zavier Wong, kitted in Lacoste, speaks candidly about the grit it took to get to where he is today, and how it is truly, clichés and all, the journey over the destination.

"I pretty much played tennis my whole life," Wong tells, mapping out an origin story starting from as tender as three years old. He was only 10 when he became serious and decided to embark on it full-time. It's not that he never played other sports, but the steering from his parents towards an individual one for better self-development solidified the choice.

Plus, the signs were there. Consistently number one for his age group in the country was no small feat. However, what was possibly tougher was the life that came with chasing the dream. Being simultaneously on the national team while juggling an education during formative years meant having to finish school online due to schedules on the road.

Within the academic-first context of Singapore, this became one of many setbacks. Though not verbally expressed, the discrimination Wong felt from friends and relatives growing up was tangible. Facing the misconception of "not attending a real school" was disheartening when allocating an equal amount of diligence towards studying, on top of hours of physical training.

"Once I embraced what I was doing, I turned discouragement into motivation to do better," he tells us. It didn't all turn out roses, of course. At the start, it could get lonely. With only two teammates, the young teen missed out on a social campus life in foundational years.

Yet, the self-discipline of online school taught him how to handle his time. The self-reliance of living alone taught him how to push through hard times. The heightened independence was the ultimate teacher for how to turn losses into fuel for future wins. All values that traditional schools may not necessarily instil.

"There are a lot of obstacles that I faced. More obstacles than victories, I would say," the 19-year-old openly admits. "I did, at some point, wish I [had taken] the traditional route." The roadblock came in the middle of his junior tennis career. The incessant travelling meant it was hard to maintain connections with friends. It didn't help that he was on a bit of a losing streak, too.

Again, greatness only comes with perseverance. "I'm glad I carried on because I went to Belgium to train at an academy after that year, and greatly improved my game." As the prodigy eased into the rhythm of his craft, he began to meet several amazing people abroad.

"I'm glad I stayed on the journey and accomplished my goal. I think no matter the outcome, I'm still glad that I chose this because it's also about the experience," he states. Other notable milestones include earning ATP ranking points and rising to be second-ranked player in Singapore.

Years of fortnightly overseas bouts meant the youth was rarely in the country. Rather than disconnect, however, it's relief that he feels with every return home. Presently, he has already secured a spot in American Ivy League and will soon be off again.

Though his initial plan to use his skills on court towards his academic trajectory worked out, it's not a route he recommends for everyone. Anything short of absolute will does not suffice.

"When you see players from all over the world, you release how tough the competition really is," Wong reiterates. It's hard to say if this venture is one he would not leave, but he's happy to have options. As he works on furthering his knowledge on the relevant subjects prior to classes, he is also focused on improving recovery habits to ensure the best performance throughout the season.

"Obstacles are what make you succeed," he concludes of his process thus far. Dedication brandished on his heart, it's a tenacity that will undoubtedly breed greatness.

Photography and Videography: Sherman See-Tho
Creative Direction: Elliot Tan
Fashion Direction: Asri Jasman
Grooming: Kenneth Chia using NARS
Styling Assistant: Erica Zheng
Production Assistants: Goh Chiang Yang and Shiro Kuan
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Singapore