After being absentfrom the ATP calendar for over two decades, Hong Kong returnedthis year. Andrey Rublev claimed the title, kicking off the season on a high note. The Russian will seek the title defense in Hong Kong at the beginning of 2025.
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Andrey will try to become the first defending champion since Michael Chang in 1995. He enjoyedhis time in Hong Kong this year, praising the city and the crowd that supported him en route to a trophy. World no. 8 embraced a43-26 run in 2024, competing at the ATP Finals despite many ups and downs.
Andrey kicks off the season with a trophy
Despite many wild moments on the court throughout the season, Rublev kept his composure in the first week of the year. He started the Hong Kong title chase in the second round, toppling Liam Broady 6-4, 7-6. The Russian faced two young guns in the next two rounds.
He defeated Arthur Fils 6-4, 1-6, 6-2, making a fresh start in the decider and reaching the semi-final. The home star Juncheng Shangmade a promising start beforeAndrey prevailed 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 after over two hours. The Chinese grabbed an early break at the beginning of the duel.
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He defended break points in the closing stages, wrapping up the opener 6-4. Rublev denied break points in the opening games of the second set. Hestole the rival's serve two times to clinch the set 6-2 and force a decider. The more experienced player survived an early challenge.
He served well in the remaining games and clinched three straight games at 3-3 for a place in the title clash. Rublev faced Emil Ruusuvuori in the final and earned a 6-4, 6-4 triumph in an hour and 17 minutes. Thus, the Russian celebrated his 15th ATP title, earning one in six consecutive seasons.
Andrey produced efficient numbers behind the second serve. He saved the only break point and mounted the pressure on Emil. The Finn fought well but finished runner-up after getting broken two times from seven chances presented to his opponent.
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There was nothing to separate them in the more advanced exchanges. Andrey took charge ofthe shortest ones, forging victory in that segment. The better-ranked player made a push on the return at the beginning of the duel, generating two break points in the first game.
Emil kept his composure and defended them before cracking abackhand down the line winner for a hold. The servers were too strong in the next five games.Rublev locked the result at 3-3 with an ace in game six and made a push on the return in the next one.
He earned break chances and seized the second with a backhand down the line winner that sent him in front. Andrey gained a boost and grabbed the eighth game with an ace, cementing the lead and opening a 5-3 gap. Ruusuvuori served to stay in the set in game nine.
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He faced more issues behind the initial shot after the rival's deep return. The Finn saved two set points and claimed a brilliant rally to bring the game home and extend the battle. Andrey served for the opener at 5-4 and squandered two set points before facing a break point.
It was his only loose moment behind the initial shot, and he handled it nicely. Andrey denied a break point with a service winner. The Russianbrought the opening set home after the rival's backhand error for 6-4 after 44 minutes. Rublev served well in the second set, keeping the pressure on the other side.
The returners created no chances in the first part of the set. Emil secured the fifth game at love with an ace, and Andrey responded nicely in the next one for 3-3. They served well in games seven and eight, and the pressure increased ahead of the closing stages.
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Rublev made a decisive push on the return in game nine, firing a forehand down the line winner and generating three break chances. He converted the first with a forced error, forging a 5-4 advantage and serving for the title. The Russian sealed the deal in style.
He landed four winners and wrapped up the opening week of the season with a trophy in his hands.
"The atmosphere in Hong Kong was great. Many people came to watch me play, and it was nice. The crowd in Asia is different than in Europe. They like to draw posters or wear T-shirts with signs and logos. Many people had my logo on their flags, which was nice to see," Andrey Rublev said.
