Andrey Rublev seeks Hong Kong title defense

After being absent from the ATP calendar for over two decades, Hong Kong returned this 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. 

Andrey will try to become the first defending champion since Michael Chang in 1995. He enjoyed his time in Hong Kong this year, praising the city and the crowd that supported him en route to a trophy. World no. 8 embraced a 43-26 run in 2024, competing at the ATP Finals despite many ups and downs. 

In good spirits 😁@AndreyRublev97 becomes the first new champion in Hong Kong since it was last held in 2002 👏@Hkto_mens pic.twitter.com/tHFYNr6hGf

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 7, 2024

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 Shang made a promising start before Andrey prevailed 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 after over two hours. The Chinese grabbed an early break at the beginning of the duel.

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. He stole 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.

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