January 07, (THEWILL) – World number 5 Andrey Rublev claimed the Hong Kong Open title on Sunday, sweeping past Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori 6-4 6-4. The decisive 77-minute victory serves as ideal preparation for the 26-year-old heading into next week’s Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of 2024.
While Rublev has reached nine major quarterfinals, he is yet to progress further. However, after securing his 15th ATP title, he must be considered among the favourites at Melbourne Park. “I couldn’t have had a better week. Now with a really happy feeling I go to Melbourne,” remarked Rublev.
Last August in Cincinnati, Ruusuvuori inflicted a rare defeat against a player outside the top 50 on Rublev. Yet, a repeat never appeared likely in Hong Kong, with Rublev’s powerful counterpunching proving too much. After breaking at 4-3 in the first set, he saved set points on his way to a 6-4 opener.
The second set followed a similar pattern, Rublev barely threatened on serve whilst constantly applying pressure to his 24-year-old opponent. Breaking at 5-4, he sealed his first Hong Kong Open title on his first match point as Ruusuvuori netted.
The tournament marked the first men’s winner here for over 20 years. Rublev adds his name to an illustrious list of former Hong Kong champions, including Rod Laver and Pete Sampras. Despite the defeat, Ruusuvuori was gracious, stating: “I don’t think anyone deserves it more than you.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
