Hong Kong has witnessed the rise of a new tennis star as Alexandre Müller clinched his first ATP title at the Hong Kong Open, defeating former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori. The Frenchman showcased remarkable resilience, rallying from behind to secure victory with the final score of 2-6, 6-1, 6-3, over the course of 1 hour and 43 minutes.
The match, held on January 5, 2025, at Victoria Park, showcased Müller’s determination and adaptability. Facing Nishikori, who was not only the favorite but also had dominate the opening set, Müller had to recover from losing the first set. The path to victory was anything but straightforward, as he became the third player to win at the tour-level after dropping the first set in each match during the tournament.
Müller came onto the court with the world ranking of No. 67, and from the very start, it was clear he had to dig deep. Nishikori, known for his power and sharp gameplay, took control early, firing 15 winners against Müller’s 6. The first set, lasting just 33 minutes, seemed to set the tone for the match. Yet, Müller’s story is one of unexpected comebacks. “It’s been an exceptional week,” he expressed with emotion after winning, acknowledging the challenges he faced throughout the event.
Müller’s adjustment after the first set was pivotal. He turned the tables completely, dominating the second set, which he won with decisive strokes and strategizing against Nishikori’s aggressive plays. “I lost the first set in every match but managed to stay calm and conserve energy,” he reflected. His ability to convert his game under pressure appeared like clockwork as he closed out the championship.
The final match served as not only a milestone for Muller but also marked Nishikori’s return to the finals after injury-plagued years, coming back strong as he advanced to the final as a wild card. Despite his defeat, Nishikori's performance during the tournament remained commendable. He had fought valiantly, overcoming competitors like Karen Khachanov and Denis Shapovalov on his way to the final appearance. Reflecting on his time on the court, Müller said, “I want to thank Kei, because he is an amazing player. I'm so happy for him to play without injuries, so good luck for the rest of the season.”
This victory is expected to catapult Müller to the No. 56 ranking globally, marking his highest career ranking yet. It sets the foundation for his upcoming season, where he will competing at the Australian Open for the first time as a seeded player. His performance throughout the tournament is indicative of his competitive spirit, and Tennis fans anticipate how long this rising star can maintain this momentum.
With emotional weight and jubilation merged, Müller closed his victory speech by thanking his supporters, saying, “Thank you everyone for the support tonight. It’s been amazing for me, losing the first set... I have no words.” The essence of his story reflects the struggles of perseverance and the delight of hard work paying off on the biggest stage, as he transitions from the Challenger circuit to lifting ATP titles.
Alexandre Muller’s unexpected triumph at the Hong Kong Open provides hope and inspiration, showcasing how determination can overturn challenging circumstances. With his undeniable tenacity, as he heads toward the 2025 season, fans and analysts are left eager to see just how far this new champion can go.