Wu Yibing flies the flag for China with impressive opening win

HONG KONG - The 15th National Games Men’s Singles Champion Wu Yibing started the year from where he left off with an impressive 6-4, 6-2 win over Fabian Marozsan in the first round of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open (‘BOCHKTO’) 2026.

The 26-year-old, who is back on tour after a serious foot injury, was in full control throughout the contest against last year’s quarter finalist. Wu will now meet Andrey Rublev, the tournament’s no. 3 seed and champion two years ago.

Wu said: “Fabian is a great player, with a big serve, and heavy balls from the baseline. I did well overall, I was able to control my emotions, and took my chances when they came, so I am happy to have got the win. I can’t remember the last time I was able to start my season in the first week of January. I made it this year and managed to get the win today. Both my team and I are very happy. Let’s see how the year goes. I am looking forward to my first hard court match against Andrey (Rublev). He is one of the best ball strikers on tour, so let’s see.”

Local star Coleman Wong Chak-lam warmed up nicely for his first round singles against world no. 75 Mariano Navone tomorrow with a hard fought 7-6(3), 3-6, 10-6 first round doubles victory with Canada’s Gabriel Diallo over Argentine duo Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Francisco Comesana. 

On his first win at BOCHKTO in singles or doubles, the 21-year-old Hongkonger commented:

“I rarely play doubles on the tour, so I am happy with the win. Diallo is very tall and has a phenomenal serve. He and I have great chemistry, we have complementary skills, and we have great fun playing doubles together. This is my first time playing outside of Centre Court at this tournament, but there were still a lot of people, and it was great to see so much support for me.”

Kai Thompson was back on court today in doubles action with Zhou Yi. Showing promise once again, the 17-year-old displayed maturity beyond his years, but was unlucky to lose in three tight sets after holding a match point in the final set Champions’ tie-break to Theo Arribage and Albano Olivetti of France. Thompson had lost in qualifying yesterday to 88-ranked American Emilio Nava.

Thompson commented: “Today’s match was an amazing experience. We were playing two top 50 doubles players, while we were a pair of wildcards. Zhou Yi is great, he has more experience than me, even though he is just 20. We took a lot of chances, there is a lot we can learn from this match. We had a lot of fun playing together.”

Croat Marin Cilic breezed past fellow 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino 6-3,6-2 in an hour and 24 minutes to claim his first win of 2026.

The 2014 US Open men’s Singles Champion said: “Overall, it was good, a really clean and solid match. Adrian and I know each other well, he is playing fantastic. The playing conditions are great, I took my chances and was able to play an efficient match. I spent Christmas at home, recharged and got here to Hong Kong. It is not super hot, so it is very nice. It is great being in this city. We can see our hotel from here, and you can walk to the courts. You get the buzz of the city on the one side, and then serenity on this side of the park.”

In round two, Cilic will take on no. 8 seed Nuno Borges of Portugal who enjoyed a routine straight sets win over Damir Dzumhur, 6-4, 6-3.

BOCHKTO defending champion Alexandre Muller opens his campaign against Miomir Kecmanovic tomorrow at 1:30pm on Centre Court, followed by the Wong and Navone encounter. 

Jerry Shang Juncheng, 15th National Games Runner-up and semifinalist at the last two BOCHKTO, opens the evening session, while good friends Rublev and Karen Khachanov take on fourth seeds Petr Nouza and Patrick Rikl in a first round doubles match to end day two of the 2026 championship.

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.

With total prize money exceeding US$780,000, BOCHKTO 2026 takes place at the iconic Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court from today to 11 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

Photos courtesy of “Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open” / 中銀香港網球公開賽.