The 27-year-old Alexandre Muller loved a memorable week in Hong Kong. The Frenchman defeated 5 rivals en path to his first ATP title. World no. 67 survived all of the challenges and lifted a trophy whereas writing historical past books!
Particularly, Muller grew to become the primary participant to win an ATP title after coming from a set down in all 5 matches! Chasing the result’s by no means simple, but it surely appeared Alexandre prefer it that manner in Hong Kong! The Frenchman defended two match factors within the second spherical towards Miomir Kecmanovic.
He got here from a set down towards Arthur Fils and Jaume Munar en path to his second ATP closing. You guess, he misplaced the opener towards Kei Nishikori earlier than prevailing 2-6, 6-1, 6-3, celebrating his first ATP title at 27.
Kei Nishikori, Hong Kong 2025© Stream screenshot
Nishikori fought in his first ATP title match in six years. The veteran made a flying begin earlier than shedding floor in set quantity two. Muller served effectively within the decider and rattled off 4 video games at 2-3 to emerge on the high and earn the trophy.
The Frenchman landed in 78% of the primary serve, a desired ratio in each title match! he outplayed the Japanese behind the primary serve however struggled after lacking it. Alexandre misplaced serve two occasions within the opener and stored the whole lot beneath management in units two and three.
He stole the previous world no. 4’s serve 4 occasions, bouncing again after a sluggish begin and sealing the deal in model. The extra skilled participant denied a break level at first of the duel and took cost on the return.
Alexandre Muller, Hong Kong 2025© Stream screenshot
Nishikori scored breaks in video games 5 and 7, successful the opener 6-2 and transferring nearer to the end line. Nevertheless, Muller began his comeback within the second set, a well-recognized sample in his matches this week.
The Frenchman served effectively and supplied back-to-back breaks, wrapping up the set 6-1 in beneath half an hour and introducing a decider. Alexandre managed his service video games within the closing set and stored the strain on the opposite facet.
Muller missed his probabilities within the third sport however stored his composure. He took cost from 2-3, rattling off 4 video games and sealing the cope with breaks in video games seven and 9. Kei was not joyful together with his efficiency after the match, however he needs to be!
It was the primary ATP title match for the veteran in six years, and it ought to give him confidence forward of the Australian Open.
