After being absent from the ATP calendar for over twenty years, Hong Kong returned this yr. Andrey Rublev claimed the title, kicking off the season on a excessive observe. The Russian will search the title protection in Hong Kong firstly of 2025.
Andrey will attempt to turn out to be the primary defending champion since Michael Chang in 1995. He loved his time in Hong Kong this yr, praising the town and the group that supported him en path to a trophy. World no. 8 embraced a 43-26 run in 2024, competing on the ATP Finals regardless of many ups and downs.
In good spirits 😁@AndreyRublev97 turns into the primary new champion in Hong Kong because it was final held in 2002 👏@Hkto_mens pic.twitter.com/tHFYNr6hGf
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 7, 2024
Andrey kicks off the season with a trophy
Regardless of many wild moments on the court docket all through the season, Rublev saved his composure within the first week of the yr. He began the Hong Kong title chase within the second spherical, toppling Liam Broady 6-4, 7-6. The Russian confronted two younger weapons within the subsequent two rounds.
He defeated Arthur Fils 6-4, 1-6, 6-2, making a contemporary begin within the decider and reaching the semi-final. The house star Juncheng Shang made a promising begin earlier than Andrey prevailed 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 after over two hours. The Chinese language grabbed an early break firstly of the duel.
He defended break factors within the closing levels, wrapping up the opener 6-4. Rublev denied break factors within the opening video games of the second set. He stole the rival’s serve two occasions to clinch the set 6-2 and drive a decider. The extra skilled participant survived an early problem.
He served effectively within the remaining video games and clinched three straight video games at 3-3 for a spot within the title conflict. Rublev confronted Emil Ruusuvuori within the closing and earned a 6-4, 6-4 triumph in an hour and 17 minutes. Thus, the Russian celebrated his fifteenth ATP title, incomes one in six consecutive seasons.
Andrey produced environment friendly numbers behind the second serve. He saved the one break level and mounted the strain on Emil. The Finn fought effectively however completed runner-up after getting damaged two occasions from seven possibilities introduced to his opponent.
There was nothing to separate them within the extra superior exchanges. Andrey took cost of the shortest ones, forging victory in that section. The higher-ranked participant made a push on the return firstly of the duel, producing two break factors within the first recreation.
Emil saved his composure and defended them earlier than cracking a backhand down the road winner for a maintain. The servers had been too sturdy within the subsequent 5 video games. Rublev locked the end result at 3-3 with an ace in recreation six and made a push on the return within the subsequent one.
He earned break possibilities and seized the second with a backhand down the road winner that despatched him in entrance. Andrey gained a lift and grabbed the eighth recreation with an ace, cementing the lead and opening a 5-3 hole. Ruusuvuori served to remain within the set in recreation 9.
He confronted extra points behind the preliminary shot after the rival’s deep return. The Finn saved two set factors and claimed a superb rally to carry the sport dwelling and prolong the battle. Andrey served for the opener at 5-4 and squandered two set factors earlier than dealing with a break level.
It was his solely unfastened second behind the preliminary shot, and he dealt with it properly. Andrey denied a break level with a service winner. The Russian introduced the opening set dwelling after the rival’s backhand error for 6-4 after 44 minutes. Rublev served effectively within the second set, conserving the strain on the opposite facet.
The returners created no possibilities within the first a part of the set. Emil secured the fifth recreation at love with an ace, and Andrey responded properly within the subsequent one for 3-3. They served effectively in video games seven and eight, and the strain elevated forward of the closing levels.
Andrey supplied a brief interview for Radio Tv Hong Kong the place he shared his emotions about returning to Hong Kong and the environment there. Plus a few insights relating to his newest method in new methods.pic.twitter.com/OaEAoZS3jT
— ◥ ◤ Andrey Rublev Updates 🖤 (@game_rublev) November 26, 2024
Rublev made a decisive push on the return in recreation 9, firing a forehand down the road winner and producing three break possibilities. He transformed the primary with a compelled error, forging a 5-4 benefit and serving for the title. The Russian sealed the deal in model.
He landed 4 winners and wrapped up the opening week of the season with a trophy in his arms.
“The environment in Hong Kong was nice. Many individuals got here to look at me play, and it was good. The gang in Asia is completely different than in Europe. They like to attract posters or put on T-shirts with indicators and logos. Many individuals had my emblem on their flags, which was good to see,” Andrey Rublev mentioned.
