Dear Hong Kong Tennis Family
By every quantifiable measure, the Bank Of China Hong Kong Open was a resounding success.
The return of the ATP Tour to Victoria Park after a 22-year absence was well received by the players, coaches, officials, spectators and our treasured sponsors as Hong Kong once again showcased its beauty and dynamism as a city to a global audience, while staging a world-class tournament.
I would like to thank everyone involved with the successful hosting of the tournament, not least the tournament staff, volunteers and ball children for their wonderful contributions.
An event of this magnitude is not possible without the tremendous support of our major sponsor – Bank Of China Hong Kong – nor the backing of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR).
We were especially gratified by the comments of Mr John Lee, the HKSAR Chief Executive, who lauded the return of the tournament as “world-class sports event,” further describing its return as a “meaningful moment.”
I want to thank every player who participated and contributed to the success of the event. We understand all of our competitors have options in terms of the tournaments they wish to play and I think the quality of fields we assembled in singles and doubles is an accurate reflection on Hong Kong’s standing in the international tennis community.
The overall attendance of more than 55,000 – with many youngsters enjoying their first ATP Tour experience – serves as a gauge of tennis’ appeal in our city and Victoria Park’s charm and intimacy were key factors in the tournament’s favourable ambience.
The Hong Kong Open has a long and illustrious history with an honour roll featuring Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, Pat Cash, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang and Juan Carlos Ferrero and the 2024 champion Andrey Rublev is a more than worthy addition to that distinguished group as doubles victors Pablo Arevalo and Mate Pavic.
Ranked No. 5 in the world, Andrey is a bona fide star of the sport and, after a strong 2023 season highlighted by titles in Monte Carlo and Bastad, the mercurial Russian wasted little time in reprising the form with a relentless march to his 15th career title.
With a straight-sets win over Liam Broady in his opening match, Andrey was pushed to the limit by two of the sport’s most exciting young players. France’s Arthur Fils took Andrey the distance in their quarter-final clash before China’s incredibly talented Jerry Shang threatened to topple the top seed in an amazing semi-final before Andrey’s experience told in another three-set battle.
While Arthur, who is 19, and Jerry, who is 18, could not win the title this time, they definitely indicated they have the necessary skills to contend at the highest level and we are privileged to have witnessed their undeniable talent at close quarters. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s own Coleman Wong, 19 years old, also demonstrated his prowess, narrowly losing to world number 27 Lorenzo Musetti in a tight match.
In the doubles, we were treated to a fabulous final between the top seeds Sander Gille and his Belgian compatriot Joran Vliegen and second seeds Pablo Arevalo and Mate Pavic. The spectator enthusiasm for doubles was also very strong and I wish to congratulate and thank all those who competed.
While the trophy ceremonies are still vivid in our minds, I would like to wish all the players the very best for the rest of the season, as we reflect on a stellar staging of the Bank of China Hong Kong Open, we look forward to the 2025 edition!
Yours sincerely
HKTOEM Steering Committee