Hong Kong Open: Alexandre Muller quells Kei Nishikori's dream final return

Alexandre Muller is the champion at the Hong Kong Open after seeing off Kei Nishkori 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 on Sunday at Victoria Park Tennis Centre. It quelled the dream run for the former World No.4.

Muller needed an hour and 44 minutes to seal the win as Nishikori let it slip after claiming the opening set in dominant fashion dominating proceedings. He broke twice combined with 15 winners to head into the ascendancy.

But he couldn't let it stick. He broke the Japanese ace four times and benefitted from 32 unforced errors to win a first tour level title.

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During his run to the title. he took down multiple players in three set epics. He defeated Marc-Andrea Huesler (2-6, 6-4, 6-3), Miomir Kecmanovic (5-7, 7-6, 7-6) as well as Arthur Fils 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 and Jaume Munar who was a surprise package 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.

The 35-year-old's run featured wins over Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 6-3. Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, Cameron Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 and also Juncheng Shang who retired during their tie. But he couldn't seal a first title since 2019.

But it was his first final in a number of years and has brought him back towards the top 50 again. This will negate any need to go for wildcards or qualifying for most future tournaments and with Nishikori barely having ranking points, he will likely ascend into the top 32 by the clay court season.

Overall a successful week for future hopes despite being beaten by the Frenchman in the end. Next up for him will be the Australian Open.

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