Coleman Wong Chak-Lam faces Mariano Navone in 1st round at Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open

HONG KONG - Hong Kong, China no. 1 Coleman Wong Chak-lam was drawn against Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the first round of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open (‘BOCHKTO’) 2026.

World no. 8 and tournament top seed Lorenzo Musetti will open against the winner of the bout between Navone’s compatriot Tomas Etcheverry and Frenchman Valentin Royer. Second seed Alexander Bublik also received a bye in the first round, and will play Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp or a qualifier.

Alexander Bublik

Lorenzo Musetti

Wong has never played the 24-year-old world number 75, Navone. Like the Hong Kong ace, Navone’s best Grand Slam Singles performance is also the third round, reaching that stage at the French Open last year.

(From left) Mr. Roland Herfel, ATP Supervisor; Mr. Lam Siu Wai, Vice President of Hong Kong, China Tennis Association; Hong Kong, China no. 1 Mr. Coleman Wong Chak-lam; Mr. Michael Cheng, President, Hong Kong, China Tennis Association and Tournament Director of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026; 2014 US Open Men’s Singles Champion Mr. Marin Cilic; Tournament Ambassadors Mr. Mark Woodforde and Mr. Pat Cash; and Mr. Oscar Chow, Honourary Secretary of Hong Kong, China Tennis Association and Chairman of Hong Kong Tennis Open Steering Committee at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 Official Draw.

Wong, who made history later in the year as the first Hong Kong player to reach the third round of the US Open Men’s Singles, said: 

“Every player in the draw is a quality player. A lot of it really does depend on how well you can bring your game to the court. I have never played against Navone before, but I have seen him in other tournaments. He is very steady and consistent, and won’t be an easy opponent.

I am really looking forward to playing at home again. I will try my best, and I hope no matter what, everyone can cheer for me.”

The Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 is proud of being an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark status is awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee symbolizing intense, spectacular and signature events in the territory sports calendar.

Andrey Rublev

BOCHKTO 2024 Champion Andrey Rublev will face 15th National Games Champion Wu Yibing in the second round if the Chinese player negotiates his way past Fabian Marozsan of Hungary.

The 26-year-old Wu commented: “I am feeling confident, I feel good, and am playing great tennis. I have a great team around me, and Hong Kong is a great place for me to start the season, so I am very much looking forward to it.”

Fourth seed and world no. 17 Karen Khachanov awaits the winner between qualifiers. 

Jerry Shang Juncheng, who reached the semifinals at BOCHKTO the last two seasons running, begins his campaign against Argentine Francisco Comesana.

Shang added: “It is very nice for me to be back to home events, which we don’t have too many in the season. I am very excited to be playing here for the third time because I see a lot of familiar faces, and I feel so much passion and support from the fans here.

“Francisco is going to be very difficult, his form in India was outstanding. I think overall, I need to be extremely patient, find my rhythm.”

Alexandre Muller

Defending champion France’s Alexandre Muller starts his title defence against Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic while 2014 US Open Champion Marin Cilic is in a clash of veterans with France’s Adrian Mannarino.

The Croat, who was a fan favourite at the first edition of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open in 2024, was excited to return to open his season in Hong Kong once again, commented: 

“I was here two years ago for the first edition, and it was fantastic. I have to say that the organization team is doing an incredible job and Hong Kong is definitely a special place. You have the combination of an incredible city and combined with this part of the city where it is very peaceful in Victoria Park and you come to the tennis and enjoy. We can focus on our training and start the season well here. 

“There is a huge part of the fans that love to see great tennis here and this year there is again an incredible line-up with lots of fantastic players here ready to start the season as well."

Before main draw matches on Monday afternoon, 5 January, the Qualifying Tournament begins tomorrow, Sunday 4 January. 

Kai Thompson

Kai Thompson, Hong Kong Under-18 no. 1 and the driving force behind the territory’s bronze medal in the 15th National Games Youth Team competition, takes on World No. 88 Emilio Nava in the first round after accepting a wildcard to the Qualifying Tournament.

With four qualifier spots, Team Hong Kong’s Thompson will need to win two matches to claim a place in the main draw.  Zhou Yi, a semifinalist at the 15th National Games alongside Coleman Wong Chak-lam, faces Francesco Maestrelli in his first qualifying match.

The 17-year-old local sensation said: “I am extremely grateful and honoured for the opportunity to compete in my first ATP event, especially when it is my home tournament. I am slightly nervous to play against seasoned pros I’ve looked up to for many years but nonetheless I am really excited to be given the chance to compete. I will leave it all out there on the court, and hope to make Hong Kong proud.”

In the doubles, Wong, who is  partnering with Canadian Gabriel Diallo this year, takes on Argentinian duo Comesana and Etcheverry, while Thompson and his partner Zhou Yi play French pair Theo Arribage and Albano Olivetti.

Taking place at the iconic Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court from 4-11 January, the ATP250 event boasts a total prize purse exceeding USD 780,000. Free entry for fans, the Qualifying Tournament begins at 12pm on Sunday, 4 January.

Tickets are on sale via Ticketflap website with prices ranging from HK$370 to HK$1,610. 

For the latest tournament updates, please visit the tournament website at www.hkmenstennisopen.com