Andrey Rublev seeks Hong Kong title protection

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 originally of 2025. 

Andrey will attempt to develop into the primary defending champion since Michael Chang in 1995. He loved his time in Hong Kong this yr, praising town and the gang 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. 

— 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 recent 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 originally of the duel.

Emil Ruusuvuori & Andrey Rublev, Hong Kong 2024© Stream screenshot

 

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 pressure a decider. The extra skilled participant survived an early problem.

He served nicely 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 ultimate 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 stress on Emil. The Finn fought nicely however completed runner-up after getting damaged two occasions from seven probabilities introduced to his opponent. 

Andrey Rublev, Hong Kong 2024© Stream screenshot

 

There was nothing to separate them within the extra superior exchanges. Andrey took cost of the shortest ones, forging victory in that phase. The higher-ranked participant made a push on the return originally 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 consequence at 3-3 with an ace in recreation six and made a push on the return within the subsequent one. 

He earned break probabilities 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. 

Andrey Rublev, Hong Kong 2024© Stream screenshot

 

He confronted extra points behind the preliminary shot after the rival’s deep return. The Finn saved two set factors and claimed an excellent rally to convey the sport dwelling and lengthen 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 free 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 nicely within the second set, conserving the stress on the opposite facet. 

The returners created no probabilities 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 nicely in video games seven and eight, and the stress elevated forward of the closing levels. 

Andrey provided 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 concerning his newest strategy 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 probabilities. 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 palms. 

“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 mentioned.