Good News from the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open! Wu Yibing, Wong Chak-lam, and Marin Cilic Reaped the Fruits of Winning

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.

Wu Yibing outlasted Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, 6-4, 6-2. (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)

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."

Coleman Wong Chak-lam marked his first win at his home ATP 250 tournament the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open with a doubles victory with partner Gabriel Diallo over Argentine duo Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Francisco Comesana. (Photo by {photog} / HKCTA)

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."

Local up and coming junior KaiThompson hits a backhand return during his first round doubles match with China’s Yi Zhou against Theo Arribage and Albano Olivetti of France. (Photo by Lampson Yip / HKCTA)

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: "The 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."

Marin Cilic breezed past fellow 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino 6-3,6-2 in the first round of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026. (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)

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.

Hong Kong, China no. 1 Coleman Wong Chak-lam showed off the improvements in his game over the past 12 months with a clinical display against world no. 75 Mariano Navone in the first round of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open (‘BOCHKTO’) 2026. The 21-year-old maintained his composure and kept the pressure on the Argentine throughout the match to clinch an impressive 6-3, 7-5 victory.

Coleman Wong (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)

Since his last outing at BOCHKTO a year ago, Wong has scored a win over top ten player Ben Shelton, reached the third round of the US Open, and ended the season with a Bronze medal at the 15th National Games Men's Singles. The world no. 150 showed no sign of rust and ruthlessly disposed of the seasoned professional who has been as high as 29th in the world rankings.

Wong said: "I think I did pretty well today in terms of dealing with the nerves. Sometimes, it can be tricky to play in front of a home crowd because there is pressure but I am happy to go through today. Playing in the afternoon means a lot of people are still at work, but there were so many people here supporting me, which means a lot to me.”

Coleman Wong (Photo by Patrick Leung / HKCTA)

Jerry Shang Juncheng, who reached the semifinals at the last two BOCHKTO, sent a strong message to his rivals that he is back playing his best tennis. A foot injury sidelined him for most of last season, but a runner-up finish at the 15th National Games Men's Singles signalled the return of one of the most talented youngsters in world tennis.

Juncheng Shang (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)

On his 6-4, 6-4 win over Francisco Comesana, Shang commented: “I am in the process of returning full time to the tour after injury, and I am very happy to be playing completely injury-free. I played well during this match, but it is very cold today, which I don't particularly enjoy very much. However, everytime I come to Hong Kong, I feel great mentally and physically, and with so many mainland and Hong Kong fans cheering me on, I always feel wonderful playing here, and my game naturally falls into place."

Shang's win means all three wildcards offered this year - Wong, Shang, and Wu Yibing - have all navigated their way through their first round this year.

Juncheng Shang (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)

Defending Champion Alexandre Muller opened proceedings today on Centre Court against Miomir Kecmanovic. The pair met a year ago, with the Frenchman winning in three tight sets on his way to the title. This time, Muller saw off the Serbian in two close sets, 7-5, 6-4.

Alexandre Muller (Photo by Mike Frey / HKCTA)

Pals Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov made their first appearance at BOCHKTO 2026 today when they took on Czechia duo Petr Nouza and Patrik Riki in a doubles first round encounter. Last year's runners up saved one match point in the Super tie-break to come through 6-7 (5), 6-3, (11-9).

Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov (Photo by Patrick Leung / HKCTA)

In an action-packed day tomorrow at Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court, top seed Lorenzo Musetti will open against Tomas Martin Etcheverry who beat Frenchman Valentin Royer 6-4, 7-5. Wong returns for singles in a second round encounter against his doubles partner Gabriel Diallo. The evening session will see a mouth-watering encounter between Rublev and 15th National Games Champion Wu Yibing who impressed in his opening round win over Fabian Marozsan.

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.

The free-for-all Tournament Village situated next to Centre Court has been packed with fans, tourists, and members of the public who are curious about the sport of tennis. In addition to the tennis themed activities, the purpose-built Pickleball court has been a star attraction at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 with thousands of spectators having tried their hand at one of the world's fastest growing sports.

Amongst those taking to the paddle so far this week included Wu Yibing and his mother as well as other star players like Petr Nouza, Patrick Rikl, Robert Galloway and Hendrik Jebens.

Petr Nouza at pickleball (Photo by {photog} / HKCTA)

Patrik Rikl at pickleball (Photo by {photog} / HKCTA)

Robert Galloway at pickleball (Photo by {photog} / HKCTA)

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.