The 19-year-old, coming off a breakout year that saw him crack the Top 50 and lift his maiden ATP trophy in Chengdu, equaled his 2024 Hong Kong run.
“We’ve been playing a lot the last few months,” said Nishikori. “We just played an exhibition last week. I lost, so I have to do better!”
Fellow unseeded competitors Jaume Munar and Alexandre Muller will battle it out for the other championship spot. Munar ousted second seed Lorenzo Musetti, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5, saving two break points in a key game at 5-5 in the second set.
Muller also mounted a comeback with his 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over fourth-seeded compatriot Arthur Fils. He and Munar—both 27—have never met above the ATP Challenger Tour, with all four of those encounters coming on clay.
In a surprising turn of events, the Hong Kong Open has seen four unseeded players make it to the semifinals, with Japanese star Kei Nishikori set to face off against Chinese qualifier Shang Juncheng.
Nishikori, a former world number four and US Open finalist, has been battling his way through the tournament and will now face the relatively unknown Shang Juncheng for a spot in the final. Shang, ranked outside the top 200, has been causing upsets left and right, including defeating third seed Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals.
The other semifinal will see unseeded players go head-to-head, with Italian Lorenzo Musetti taking on American Tommy Paul. Both players have shown great form throughout the tournament and will be looking to secure their spot in the final.
With the top seeds out of the picture, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the Hong Kong Open. Will one of these unseeded players be able to claim the title, or will Nishikori continue his run of form and emerge victorious? Stay tuned to find out!
The #NextGenATP lefty hammered 36 winners and earned the decisive break of the match in the fourth game of the third set to earn a one-hour, 45-minute win. Shang, who hit nine aces according to Infosys ATP Stats, will next meet Kei Nishikori.
“I am very happy and again today I didn’t make the best start but kept my cool and kept fighting,” Shang said.
Shang’s success in Hong Kong last January provided the launchpad for him to become the first Chinese teenager ever to break into the Top 100 of the PIF ATP Rankings in May. Four months later he reached a career-high No. 47 after clinching his maiden ATP Tour title in Chengdu.
Nishikori overcame Cameron Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 to reach his first ATP Tour semi-final since Washington in 2021.
“Most of the match he played solid but gave me a few chances,” Nishikori said. “I made more returns in the third set, played more aggressively and everything worked.”
The Japanese star, who will return to the Top 100 for the first time since June 2022 on Monday, leads Norrie 3-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Former World No. 4 Nishikori will play Shang in the semis.
Earlier, seeds Arthur Fils and Lorenzo Musetti were on the wrong side of upsets. Frenchman Alexandre Muller overcame fourth seed Fils 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach his second tour-level semi-final.
Muller’s victory against World No. 20 Fils was just his second in 14 attempts against Top 20 stars. Muller will play Jaume Munar in the last four after the Spaniard defeated second-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti 2-6, 7-6(4), 7-5 in two hours and 38 minutes.
Munar, who leads Musetti 2-1 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series, is chasing his first ATP Tour title at the ATP 250 in Hong Kong. The 27-year-old reached the final in Marbella in 2021.
Shang Juncheng has made it to the semifinals of the Hong Kong Open after defeating his opponent in a thrilling match. The Chinese tennis player displayed his skill and determination on the court, impressing fans and critics alike.
Meanwhile, Kei Nishikori has also advanced to the semifinals after a hard-fought victory. The Japanese player showcased his trademark style of play, combining power and finesse to outlast his opponent.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more exciting matches and impressive performances from these talented players. Stay tuned for more updates on the ATP Tour.
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Shang Juncheng, Kei Nishikori, Hong Kong SFs, ATP Tour, tennis tournament, professional tennis players, sports news, match updates, tournament results, player highlights, ATP World Tour, Hong Kong Open, tennis championships.
Alexandre Muller has won three of his last five matches. In Hong Kong, Alexandre won his opening match against Huesler in three tight sets. After losing the first set 2-6, Muller stepped up his level and turned the match around. Muller played the longest match of this season in the second round against Kecmanovic. He won the match after spending almost four hours on the court. The Frenchman even saved two match points in the deciding tiebreak. Today, in the quarterfinals, Muller upset Fils in three sets. Alexandre spent a lot of time on the court this week.
Jaume Munar has won three of his last five matches. In Hong Kong, the Spaniard won his opening round match against Davidovich Fokina after losing the first set 4-6. Munar is a clay court specialist and rarely has any results on hard courts such as this one. In the second round, Munar defeated Borges in straight sets. Jaume lost his serve only once in the match. Other than that, the Spaniard served well throughout the match. Today in the quarterfinals, Munar upset Musetti in the quarterfinals.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this should be an almost 50-50 match, but we disagree. Muller spent too much time on the court this week, so that he will be tired. On the other hand, Munar played great tennis this week, so we expect him to dominate this match.
That being said, Munar winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jaume Munar winning @1.80 @bet365
Shang – Nishikori: 04.01.2025 08:30 CEST H2H: 1-1
Juncheng Shang has won three of his last five matches. The young Chinese solidly started this season. In Hong Kong, Shang defeated Wong in the opening round in straight sets. After that in the second round, Juncheng had an easy job against Martinez. Today in the quarterfinals, Shang had the toughest challenge in the tournament. He lost the first set 1-6 against Marozsan. However, Juncheng stayed calm and turned the match around quickly.
Kei Nishikori has won eight straight matches. In his last tournament in 2024, Nishikori won the Challenger title in Helsinki, winning against Nardi in the final. Here in Hong Kong, Kei dominated the opening round match against Shapovalov, winning straight sets. Nishikori saved both breakpoints and played almost his best tennis. In the second round, Kei defeated Khachanov in three tight sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Nishikori stepped up his level and turned the match around. Today, in the quarterfinals, Kei defeated Norrie in three sets, as we predicted.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this should be a 50-50 match. Nishikori faced tougher opponents en route to the semifinals than Shang. These conditions are perfect for his tennis. Shang is one of the most considerable talents, but we believe Nishikori´s experience will prevail in this match.
That being said, Nishikori winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Kei Nishikori winning @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Are you ready for some high-stakes tennis action? Look no further than the ATP Hong Kong tournament, where some of the world’s top players will be battling it out for glory. One of the most anticipated matchups is between rising star Shang and seasoned veteran Nishikori. Who will come out on top?
In this post, we’ll break down the best bets for this exciting showdown. Shang has been on a hot streak recently, showcasing his talent and skill on the court. Nishikori, on the other hand, has the experience and composure to handle the pressure of a high-stakes match. It’s sure to be a thrilling contest between these two talented players.
Our top bet for this matchup is to go with Shang. He has been in incredible form and has the momentum on his side. With his aggressive playing style and powerful shots, he has the ability to overwhelm Nishikori and secure the win.
For those looking for a safer bet, consider a wager on the total number of sets. Given the competitiveness of both players, it’s likely that this match will go the distance and be decided in a thrilling third set.
No matter which way you choose to bet, this matchup is sure to be a must-watch event at the ATP Hong Kong tournament. Don’t miss out on the action and place your bets now!
Evolving Musetti has unfinished business in Hong Kong and beyond
Italian looks ahead to 2025
January 02, 2025
HKCTA
Lorenzo Musetti is competing in Hong Kong this week. By Alex Sharp
Lorenzo Musetti is looking razor sharp on and off the court.
The World No. 17 is back in competitive action at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open and opened his title pursuit with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory over qualifier Gabriel Diallo on Thursday.
A fresh, shorter haircut caught the eye as the Italian stormed into the quarter-finals at Causeway Bay.
“I’ve always had long, long hair, but It became a little bit annoying with all the drying and stuff, so I decided with my girlfriend to cut it,” explained the 22-year-old. “I’m happy with the decision – new season, new look, also new kit, and hopefully a better season than the last one.”
During his last 16 clash at Victoria Park, Musetti demonstrated his new service motion, one that cuts out an initial backward arch. The second seed clearly adapted instantly over the off-season, landing 76 per cent of first serves on centre court, winning 81 per cent of those points.
It proves Musetti isn’t resting on his laurels after a magnificent 2024, he’s eager to evolve.
“Turning 23 in a few months. I have a lot of future ahead, a lot of time to change things, to experiment,” continued Musetti, who takes on Jaume Munar next in his 30th tour-level quarter-final. “Today it was paying off and hopefully more of the same next round.”
In Hong Kong last year, Musetti lost his opening match. He went on to reach his maiden major semi-final at Wimbledon and clinch an Olympics bronze.
Heading into 2025, Musetti wants more.
“If I’m thinking about last season, I made finals, but didn’t win a title,” said Musetti, a runner-up at Queen’s Club, Umag and Chengdu.
“I have a lot of unfinished business in Hong Kong and unfinished business in a lot of tournaments.”
The 22-year-old’s belief has been emboldened by his steps on the Olympics podium and deep run at SW19.
“I got some achievements I was dreaming about, especially the Olympics. The last time an Italian man won a (singles) medal was 100 years ago (1924). It was really nice for me and my country,” reminisced Musetti.
“Just like Wimbledon too, that gave me a lot of confidence for the Grand Slams, that I can continue to go that far. Starting with the Australian Open, my best is the second round, hopefully I can do better this year or next year. The goal every Slam is to go second week.”
Away from his game, the Italian shared his thoughts on countryman and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic.
“I think Novak is going to always be Novak until his physical condition isn’t stable, like it is now. Novak, in Australia, knows a little bit about winning on those courts,” Musetti said looking ahead to this month’s Australian Open.
“He’s still a danger for Jannik, for everybody, for Sascha Zverev, for Carlos Alcaraz, who are the Top 3. I would say last season Jannik showed he is one step forward of everyone. We all have to raise our level.”
Lorenzo Musetti has certainly made a name for himself on the ATP Tour in recent months, with his impressive performances and breakthrough wins capturing the attention of tennis fans around the world. However, despite his success, the young Italian star has some unfinished business in Hong Kong and beyond.
Musetti’s journey to the top of the tennis world has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 19 years old, he has already defeated some of the top players in the sport, including Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov. His aggressive playing style, powerful groundstrokes, and fearless attitude on the court have made him a force to be reckoned with.
However, Musetti’s run at the Hong Kong Open earlier this year ended in disappointment, as he fell in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Alexander Zverev. Despite the loss, Musetti showed flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament, and he will undoubtedly be eager to return to Hong Kong next year and make a deeper run.
Beyond Hong Kong, Musetti has his sights set on even greater achievements. With his talent and potential, there is no doubt that he has the ability to compete with the best players in the world and challenge for Grand Slam titles in the future. As he continues to develop and improve his game, Musetti will be a player to watch on the ATP Tour for years to come.
In conclusion, Lorenzo Musetti may have some unfinished business in Hong Kong, but his journey is far from over. With his determination, skill, and passion for the game, there is no limit to what he can achieve in the world of tennis. Watch out for Musetti as he continues to make his mark on the ATP Tour and beyond.
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Lorenzo Musetti said it would be a big mistake to write off Novak Djokovic’s prospects of adding to his record 24 grand slam titles.
The 22-year-old Italian Musetti, nonetheless, reckoned compatriot and world No 1 Jannik Sinner had moved “one step ahead of everybody else”, during a supremely successful but controversial 2024.
Musetti enjoyed his own breakthrough campaign last year, when he reached three tour finals and the Wimbledon semi-finals, and claimed Olympic bronze. In both his Wimbledon and Olympic last-four matches, he was beaten by Djokovic, who also overcame Musetti in five sets at the French Open.
In 2024, Djokovic, 37, failed to win a grand slam in a calendar year for the first time since 2017. The Serb has dropped to world No 7 ahead of this month’s Australian Open, where he is a 10-time champion.
“Novak will always be [competing for grand slams], if his physical condition is stable,” Musetti told the Post.
“He is a danger for everybody – for Jannik, for Sasha [world No 2, Alex Zverev] and for [world No 3] Carlos Alcaraz. Last year, Jannik showed he was one step ahead of everyone else, he had such an incredible season.
“But Novak is always dangerous and he knows a little bit about how to play on those grand slam courts and in those conditions.”
At the Hong Kong Open, rising Italian star Lorenzo Musetti shared his thoughts on the competition, specifically addressing the threat posed by World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Musetti acknowledged that Djokovic is still a force to be reckoned with, but he expressed confidence in his own abilities to compete at the highest level.
However, when asked about his fellow countryman Jannik Sinner, Musetti was quick to praise his rival’s skills. Musetti admitted that Sinner is a step ahead of him in terms of experience and success on the ATP tour. Despite their friendly rivalry, Musetti recognized Sinner as a formidable opponent and one to watch out for in future tournaments.
As the Hong Kong Open continues, fans can look forward to exciting matches between these two talented Italian players and see who will come out on top. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling competition.
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Hong Kong Open, Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, tennis, ATP, tournament, rivalry, sports, athletes, competition, match, rankings, predictions
Teenage Chinese star Jerry Shang Juncheng broke home hearts after beating local favourite Coleman Wong Chak-lam in a gripping Bank of China Hong Kong Open first-round clash on Tuesday.
Under the lights at a rapt Victoria Park Tennis Centre, Hongkonger Wong fought furiously to stay alive in the opening set before losing it on a tiebreak. World No 50 Shang gained a decisive break early in the second and clinched victory 7-6, 6-4 to stay on course for a quarter-final meeting with defending champion Andrey Rublev.
The 20-year-old Wong, who was chasing his first victory over a top-50 opponent, showed glimpses he could cut it at the top, utilising a killer serve that scored him 17 aces in a match lasting one hour and 29 minutes.
Wong, ranked 170 in the world, was roared on by the home crowd in the first set when he courageously dug in to prevent Shang from taking a 4-2 lead. The Hongkonger fended off his 19-year-old counterpart by hitting five aces in a game that had six deuces and saw Wong rescue four break points.
Shang won the tiebreak 7-3 after achieving a pivotal mini break at 3-3.
Jerry Shang Juncheng saw off the challenge of Wong in two tight sets. Photo: Jonathan Wong
“It was a great match from both of us and we pushed each other,” Wong said.
Chinese badminton star Jerry Shang captured the hearts of fans in his home country with a stunning victory over Coleman Wong in the Hong Kong Open final. Shang, known for his lightning-fast reflexes and powerful smashes, put on a masterful performance to claim the title in front of a raucous crowd.
The match was a thrilling display of skill and determination, with both players trading points in a back-and-forth battle. But in the end, it was Shang who emerged victorious, winning in straight sets and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Shang’s win is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and it cements his status as one of the top players in the world. Fans across China are celebrating his victory, and eagerly anticipating his next tournament appearance.
Congratulations to Jerry Shang on his impressive win at the Hong Kong Open, and best of luck in his future matches.
Nishikori breezes past Shapovalov, Borges advances
December 31, 2024
HKCTA
Shang Juncheng defeats Coleman Wong on Tuesday at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open. By Alex Sharp
Chinese #NextGenATP star Shang Juncheng started 2024 with a breakthrough semi-final run at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open. On Tuesday, he bookended the calendar year with a rock-solid opening win at the 2025 edition of the hard-court ATP 250.
Under the lights on New Year’s Eve at Victoria Park, Shang secured an absorbing 7-6(3), 6-4 triumph over local prospect Coleman Wong.
“Me and Coleman go way back to 11, 12 years old playing juniors together. Seeing him on the biggest stage with me here, in front of his home crowd, I’m really honoured,” said the No.50 in the PIF ATP Rankings. “It’s great to be back in Hong Kong. It’s such a beautiful place, such a beautiful city. It’s a special place for me. 2024 started and ended here for me. I have enjoyed every moment so far on these courts.”
Shang’s success in Hong Kong in January provided the launchpad for him to become the first Chinese teenager ever to break inside the ATP Top 100 in May and five months later the left-hander reached a career-high World No. 47 after clinching his maiden ATP Tour title in Chengdu.
“Definitely physically I’m a little bit stronger, playing faster, but mentally I’m still the same, trying to be positive all of the time, giving it all on the court,” added the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF competitor. “It’s been a real rollercoaster year for me and a really happy one.”
Earlier on Tuesday, former World No. 2 and three-time Hong Kong champion Michael Chang, who coached Kei Nishikori for the best part of a decade from 2014, told the media that the Japanese icon would find returning to the Top 50 ‘a piece of cake’ if he stays fit.
Nishikori’s emphatic 6-2, 6-3 dismissal of Denis Shapovalov certainly set the tone for a strong start to the new season.
“This is a great start,” said the 12-time tour-level champion Nishikori. “The next goal is that Top 50. I’ll have to go slowly, but if I can be healthy and play the whole season, I think I can do that. I can’t speak too much because I’m still around 100 and I need to maybe play some Challengers, to get more points, to get more wins.”
Currently the World No. 106, Nishikori arrowed plenty of shots to keep Shapovalov consistently off balance and his vintage display set a second-round clash with third seed Karen Khachanov for New Year’s Day.
Nishikori leads his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Khachanov 4-2, having prevailed in their three most recent encounters.
“It’s a big test, he’s been playing well, especially at the end of the year,” said Nishikori. “Big serve, big forehand and it’s going to be very interesting. It’s a good challenge for me to see how much I can play with these Top 20 guys. I’m excited.”
Nuno Borges and Zizou Bergs were among the other first-round winners in Hong Kong on Tuesday. The fifth-seeded Borges held off Buyunchaokete for a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) opening win, while Bergs sunk qualifier Alejandro Moro Canas 6-4, 6-4.
Shang Juncheng, the rising tennis star from China, made a dazzling return to the ATP Tour in Hong Kong. The 20-year-old showcased his talent and skill on the court, dazzling fans and critics alike with his powerful serves and precise shots.
Juncheng’s performance in Hong Kong was nothing short of spectacular, as he defeated some of the top players in the tournament with ease. His agility, speed, and determination were on full display, leaving spectators in awe of his abilities.
Many are now hailing Juncheng as the next big thing in tennis, with some even comparing him to the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. His remarkable comeback in Hong Kong has solidified his place in the tennis world, and fans can’t wait to see what he does next.
With his impressive showing in Hong Kong, Shang Juncheng has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour. The future looks bright for this young star, and tennis enthusiasts everywhere are eagerly anticipating his next match.
Day 4 at the ATP 250 event in Hong Kong will feature the four remaining last of 16 matches, with top seed and defending champion Andrey Rublev in action along with several other talented players and exciting matchups. While on paper this tournament isn’t as strong as Brisbane, it has delivered some great tennis so far and that trend should continue tomorrow.
ATP Hong Kong Day 4 Predictions
Nuno Borges vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: Munar 1-0 Borges
Borges avoided eliminating by the skin of his teeth against Bu in the first round and now, on paper, has a kinder matchup for his second round. While it won’t be easy for sure, Munar tends to struggle on hard courts (despite a good win over Dadidovich Fokina in the first round here) and Borges will be extra motivated knowing that a win here is necessary to stay in contention to be seeded at the Australian Open. Prediction: Borges in 2
Gabriel Diallo vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-head: Diallo 1-0 Musetti
Musetti had an excellent 2024 season and he has clearly been steadily improving on hard courts, but he is still someone that lower ranked players have belief against on this surface. Diallo hasn’t been particularly impressive this week and he is a young, talented player on the rise and will surely create Musetti quite a few problems here. Prediction: Musetti in 3
While Martinez won their two previous meetings, those were both on clay and Shang has made a lot of progress since and seems to be one of the fastest rising ATP player. Shang seems poised to have a big 2025 season ahead of him and a matchup against Martinez on hard courts should be highly favorable to him at this point in his career. Prediction: Shang in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Fabian Marozsan
Head-to-head: Rublev 1-0 Marozsan
While Rublev is yet to have a breakthrough at Slam level, his best-of-three performances make him a mainstay in the top 10. He won this tournament last year and, looking at the draw, he is the favorite to do it again this year. Marozsan has been struggling quite a bit lately and his draw here hasn’t made him any favors, though if he finds a way to win here he will have an excellent chance of aiming for the title. Prediction: Rublev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
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ATP Hong Kong Day 4 Predictions: Rublev vs Marozsan
On Day 4 of the ATP Hong Kong tournament, one of the standout matches to watch will be between Andrey Rublev and Jan-Lennard Struff. Rublev, the Russian rising star, has been in impressive form lately and will be looking to continue his winning streak in this match. On the other hand, Struff is known for his powerful serve and aggressive playing style, making this match a must-watch for tennis fans.
Rublev has been playing some outstanding tennis recently, reaching the finals of the US Open and winning the St. Petersburg Open. His aggressive baseline game and powerful forehand make him a formidable opponent for anyone on the tour. Struff, on the other hand, is a seasoned player with a big serve and a strong net game. It will be interesting to see how these contrasting styles match up on the court.
In this match, I predict that Rublev will come out on top. His recent form and confidence will give him the edge over Struff, who may struggle to keep up with Rublev's aggressive playing style. However, Struff is known for his fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude, so I expect a closely contested match.
Overall, I predict that Rublev will win in three sets, with the final score being 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. This match promises to be an exciting clash of styles and personalities, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds on Day 4 of the ATP Hong Kong tournament. Let's see if Rublev can continue his winning streak and make a deep run in the tournament.
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Scouting Report: Djokovic & Kyrgios’ double duty in Brisbane, Rublev headlines Hong Kong
An executive summary of what every fan should know about the coming week
December 29, 2024
Chris Hyde/Bradley Kanaris/Julian Finney/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios and Andrey Rublev will begin their 2025 seasons this week. By ATP Staff
With the 2025 ATP Tour season already underway at the United Cup, a host of top stars are set to join in the action this week in Brisbane and Hong Kong.
ATPTour.com looks ahead at five things to watch at each event.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN BRISBANE 1) Djokovic Seeks Fast Start In 2025: Fans in Brisbane will have the chance to watch Novak Djokovic up close for the first time since 2009 when the Serbian steps on court at Pat Rafter Arena. The former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, who is chasing his 100th tour-level title, will take on home wild card Rinky Hijikata in his opening singles match. Djokovic, whose only title in 2024 came at the Paris Olympics, will be competing for the first time since he reached the Rolex Shanghai Masters final in September.
2) Kyrgios Makes Tour Return: After missing more than 18 months due to injury, Nick Kyrgios makes his return to the ATP Tour in Brisbane. The 29-year-old, a former World No. 13, lifted one of his seven tour-level titles in Brisbane in 2018. Kyrgios begins his campaign against the fast-rising big server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Queensland.
3) Defending Champ Dimitrov:Grigor Dimitrov snapped a six-year title drought in Brisbane a year ago. The Bulgarian’s title run at the ATP 250 set him up for a rock-solid 2024 season during which he racked up 46 tour-level wins and returned to the Top 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time since 2018. He returns to Brisbane for the 2025 edition as the second seed.
4) Top 20 Stars: Third seed Holger Rune will aim to go one step further in Brisbane after his championship-match run a year ago. The World No. 13 is chasing his first ATP Tour crown since April 2023. Another Top 20 star, Frances Tiafoe, is aiming for his second tour-level hard-court trophy after his Delray Beach triumph in 2018. The American is a potential second-round opponent for Kyrgios.
5) Djokovic/Kyrgios Double Up: Before either Djokovic or Kyrgios step onto the singles court, the pair will team up for some star-studded doubles action in Brisbane. Competing for the first time together, the duo will face Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies on Monday not before 6:30 p.m. local time. The winner of that match faces top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in the second round.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN HONG KONG 1) Rublev Seeks Consecutive HK Crowns:Andrey Rublev enjoyed a memorable week when the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open last season returned to the ATP Tour calendar for the first time since 2002. Rublev kick-started his 2024 season by lifting his 15th tour-level title at the ATP 250, and he will again compete as the top seed at the 2025 edition. The World No. 8 begins his title defence against Roman Safiullin or Fabian Marozsan.
2) Musetti Leads Top 20 Charge: A trio of Top 20 stars — Lorenzo Musetti, Karen Khachanov and Arthur Fils — will aim to launch 2025 with a title in Hong Kong. Musetti is chasing his first tour-level title since 2022, while Khachanov and Fils each lifted two trophies in 2024.
3) Shang Meets Home Hope Wong: The 2024 semi-finalist Shang Juncheng may be a fan favourite in Hong Kong, but the #NextGenATP star’s opening opponent Coleman Wong, the No. 1 player from Hong Kong in the PIF ATP Rankings, will likely also enjoy plenty of crowd support. The first-round clash will be the second Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting between the two, after Shang triumphed last October in Shanghai.
4) Can Nishikori, Shapovalov Continue Comebacks?:Kei Nishikori and Denis Shapovalov have each struggled with injury in recent seasons, but both finished 2024 on a high. The former World No. 4 Nishikori lifted an ATP Challenger Tour crown to cap his year in November, while Shapovalov claimed his second ATP Tour title that same month in Belgrade. The two players will face off in the first round in Hong Kong, with the winner facing Khachanov in the second round.
5) Doumbia/Reboul Seek Asian Hat-trick: Two-time Chengdu titlists Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul seek their third tour-level crown in Asia as the top seeds in Hong Kong. Their rivals in the draw include second seeds Adam Pavlasek and Jean-Julien Rojer, while singles stars in doubles action include Khachanov/Rublev, Shang/Shapovalov and Musetti/Lorenzo Sonego.
Scouting Report: Djokovic & Kyrgios in Brisbane, Rublev headlines Hong Kong | ATP Tour
The ATP Tour is heating up as some of the top players in the world are set to showcase their skills in Brisbane and Hong Kong. In Brisbane, all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios as they battle it out for the title. Djokovic, the current world No. 1, is coming off a dominant 2021 season and will be looking to continue his winning ways in the new year. Kyrgios, known for his flashy playing style and big serves, will be looking to pull off an upset and claim the title on his home turf.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, rising star Andrey Rublev will be the player to watch as he headlines the tournament. Rublev, who has been making waves on the ATP Tour with his powerful game, will be looking to start the year on a high note and continue his climb up the rankings. With his aggressive playing style and strong mentality, Rublev is sure to be a formidable opponent for anyone he faces in Hong Kong.
As the action unfolds in Brisbane and Hong Kong, tennis fans can expect to see some thrilling matches and exciting moments as these top players battle it out for the titles. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and results from these tournaments on the ATP Tour.
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Gnn-96 Naval, HMS Tamar, Hong Kong, 1920’s: A Rare Glimpse into Naval History
Step back in time with this captivating photo of the Gnn-96 Naval ship docked at HMS Tamar in Hong Kong during the 1920’s. This historic image offers a rare glimpse into the naval operations of the era, showcasing the grandeur and power of these impressive vessels.
The Gnn-96 Naval ship, with its sleek design and formidable presence, stands as a testament to the strength and innovation of naval technology during this period. The bustling harbor of HMS Tamar serves as a backdrop, highlighting the strategic importance of Hong Kong as a naval base in the early 20th century.
As we admire this photo, we are reminded of the bravery and dedication of the sailors who served aboard these ships, protecting their countries and safeguarding the seas. Let us honor their legacy and remember the pivotal role they played in shaping our world today.
