Alexander Bublik Wins on Debut at BOCHKTO 2026, Shang Upsets Sonego, Seeds Khachanov and Muller Fall

Alexander Bublik eased past Botic van de Zandschulp in a stunning debut at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open ('BOCHKTO') 2026. The second seed showed no sign of jetlag having only arrived in Hong Kong on Tuesday, and put together a tidy performance to dispose of the Dutchman, 6-3, 6-3.

The tennis athlete Alexander Bublik serves his way to victory against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in his Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open debut, Photo source: BOCHKTO

After a mental and physical reset in the first half of 2025, the 28-year-old returned to the tour to win four titles, reached his first ever quarterfinals at the French Open, and the fourth round at the US Open. These impressive results propelled Bublik to a career high ranking of no. 11 in the world.

Alexander Bublik, Photo source: BOCHKTO

The Kazakhstani said: "I felt relaxed. It is always a challenge at the start of the season as you need to get used to new conditions. I was practising indoors for a month before coming here, but I felt great on the court today. It is one of the fastest I have played on the tour, but the atmosphere is great. The conditions are fine for me, as I was coming from -20C. I like playing in Hong Kong, I like this city.”

Jerry Shang Juncheng is all smiles after beating no. 6 seed Lorenzo Sonego to reach the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 quarterfinals, Photo source: BOCHKTO

15th National Games silver medallist Jerry Shang Juncheng followed Coleman Wong's heroics with a confident win over no. 5 seed Lorenzo Sonego to reach the quarterfinals. The 20-year-old's speed and all round game was too much for Sonego as he dismantled the Italian, 6-3, 6-4. Shang will face Bublik next in.

Shang's win makes it two Chinese players in the quarterfinals for the first time at BOCHKTO, and first time since the 2024 Hangzhou Open.

Jerry Shang Juncheng stretches for a forehand during his second round match at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 against Lorenzo Sonego, Photo source: BOCHKTO

Shang commented: “Three times I have played here and I have played well each time. I am trying to go for more and play better tennis. Overall, the confidence is coming back and I am playing more freely and relaxed. Lorenzo plays amazing tennis, he was on the verge of the top 20 in the world, so this was a good win for me. I am playing positively, and that's what I like. I am happy to play at Victoria Park in front of these amazing fans. The conditions have been tough, sometimes hot, sometimes freezing, but I am healthy, and that's the main thing.”

Lorenzo Sonego was outclassed by Jerry Shang Juncheng in their second round match at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026, Photo source: BOCHKTO

Karen Khachanov loses his first match at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026, falling to American Michael Mmoh. Photo source: BOCHKTO

Michael Mmoh hits a forehand volley on his way to a straight sets victory over no. 4 seed Karen Khachanov, Photo source: BOCHKTO

Three seeds fell today. Following Sonego's defeat by Shang, Karen Khachanov, the no. 4 seed, lost to giant killing qualifier Michael Mmoh 7-6(2), 7-6(4) in their last 16 match. The American beat the no. 1 and 6 seeds in qualifying to make the main draw, and continued his run with a win over Alejandro Tabilo in the first round proper. With a win over Khachanov, Mmoh earns the right to play Giron for a place in the last four.

Alexandre Muller returns a backhand against Macros Giron during his second round match at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open. Photo source: BOCHKTO

No. 7 seed Alexandre Muller was also sent packing. The defending champion was eliminated by American Macros Giron 6-4, 7-6(4) on Court One.

Coleman Wong Chak-lam & Gabriel Diallo upset no. 2 seeds in the quarterfinals at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026. Photo source: BOCHKTO

Wong's busy schedule at BОСНКТО 2026 continued today as he returned to the court for a doubles quarterfinals match with the player he beat in singles yesterday, Gabriel Diallo. The pair did not show any sign of weariness from their gruelling two-hour-and-twenty-nine-minute battle, and grinded out a gutsy win over second seeds Constantin Frantzen and Robin Haase 7-6(4), 6-7(5), (10-8).

All four quarterfinals will take place tomorrow, Friday 9 January. Wong takes on top seed Lorenzo Musetti in the day's opening match at 1:30pm as he looks for his first ATP Tour semifinal. The pair met at BOCHKTO two years ago with the Italian coming through in two tough sets, 6-4, 7-5. Rublev who beat 15th National Games Men's Singles Champion Wu Yibing will be next on to play Nuno Borges. The Portuguese no. 1 ended the run of former world no. 3 and 2014 US Open Champion Marin Cilic in the previous round. The all-American clash between Giron and Mmoh will be the last match on Centre Court tomorrow, after Shang plays Bublik that starts at 6pm.

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, BOCHKΤΟ 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

In celebration of the 20th Asian Games, Kai Tak Sports Park has launched an Asian Games-themed dynamic light show that combines dazzling lights, vibrant animations and visuals from multiple Asian Games sports, blending sporting passion with urban energy and illuminating the night sky over Kai Tak.

In celebration of the 20th Asian Games, Kai Tak Sports Park has launched an Asian Games-themed dynamic light show.

The facade of Kai Tak Stadium has been transformed into a striking light-and-shadow stage for Hong Kong. As night falls, the stadium becomes a giant canvas of light, with table tennis, cycling, fencing, football and e-sports featured in rotation, accompanied by dazzling streams of light and dynamic colours that recreate the electrifying atmosphere of the Games. The facade also displays cheering messages such as “GO! TEAM HKG” and “All the residents support the Hong Kong delegation,” turning the city’s support into a radiant show of encouragement for the Hong Kong, China delegation.

The facade of Kai Tak Stadium has been transformed into a striking light-and-shadow stage for Hong Kong.

The beauty of the light show

The facade displays cheering messages such as “GO! TEAM HKG” and “All the residents support the Hong Kong delegation."

The facade displays cheering messages such as “GO! TEAM HKG” and “All the residents support the Hong Kong delegation."

As night falls, the stadium becomes a giant canvas of light, with table tennis, cycling, fencing, football and e-sports featured in rotation.

This large-scale dynamic light show not only lights up Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong’s new landmark, but also adds a new highlight to the Victoria Harbour nightscape, making it a must-visit photo spot for residents and visitors alike. Whether gathering with friends, taking in the night views or cheering for the Hong Kong team, this visual feast, blending sport and light art, is not to be missed.

This large-scale dynamic light show not only lights up Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong’s new landmark, but also adds a new highlight to the Victoria Harbour nightscape.

This visual feast, blending sport and light art, is not to be missed.