Alexandre Muller of France clinched his first ATP Tour title by defeating Japan’s Kei Nishikori in a thrilling final at the ATP Hong Kong Open.
Muller, ranked 67th in the world, overcame a slow start to triumph over the former world No. 4. After dropping the first set 2-6, the Frenchman rallied impressively to secure the next two sets 6-1 and 6-3. The match lasted one hour and 43 minutes at Hong Kong’s Victoria Park.
“It’s been an amazing week for me,” Muller expressed with emotion. “Losing the first set in all the matches, I have no words. Thank you everyone.”
Nishikori, 35, entered the tournament as a wild card and showcased remarkable form reaching his first final since 2019. He advanced to the final after the withdrawal of Chinese teenager Shang Juncheng in their semifinal clash due to illness.
Despite recent struggles with injuries that have affected his ranking, Nishikori demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, delighting fans with his return to competitive play.
The ATP Hong Kong Open marked a significant moment for both players, highlighting Muller’s rising trajectory and Nishikori’s inspiring comeback to the court.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
