The Korean rising star was forced to retire from his match against Roger Federer due to painful blisters that had developed on top of one another during his historic run at the Australian Open.
There was an audible groan around Rod Laver Arena when the umpire announced, midway through the second set, that Hyeon Chung was too injured to continue battling a rampant Roger Federer.
Fans in the arena and around the world were understandably disappointed that a potentially gripping tennis match had been diluted, and then eventually prematurely ended, by Chung's injury.
Some of that frustration turned to anger on social media, with some incredulous Chung would give up such an opportunity due to blisters on his feet.
Turns out, these were no ordinary blisters…
Perhaps compelled to defend his decision, Chung used Instagram to post evidence of his gruesome ailment, and apologise again for his inability to complete the match.
"Tonight, I tried very hard to bring my utmost energy to the tennis court as usual," Chung wrote.
"However, I had to make a tough decision given that I cannot compete 100% against Roger, in front of many tennis fans.
"Please understand. I wish all the best luck for @rogerfederer in the finals."
The accompanying picture shows what looks more like a knife wound than a blister, a gaping hole in the foot of an athlete who relies heavily on his incredible ability to cover the court.
Chung's coach, Neville Godwin, told the media the unheralded South Korean did everything he could to be fit for the match — including receiving a series of painful injections.
"These are serious injections, each one lasts like a minute," Godwin said.
