Tennis in January usually means one thing: the scorching sun of Australia. But if you’re only looking at Melbourne, you’re kinda missing the coolest story in the sport right now. Honestly, the Hong Kong Open tennis scene has completely reinvented itself over the last few years. It’s not just a warm-up tournament anymore. It has become this weirdly perfect mix of high-stakes ATP intensity and a massive city-wide party.
I just watched Alexander Bublik take down Lorenzo Musetti in the 2026 final a few days ago. It was a 7-6, 6-3 masterclass in chaos. Bublik being Bublik, he was hitting underarm serves and absolute rockets. Victoria Park was packed. The atmosphere? Electric. It’s a far cry from the years when the men’s tour totally ignored Hong Kong. From 2002 to 2024, there was a massive hole in the calendar where this tournament used to be. Now that it’s back, it feels like it never left.
The Wild Return of the ATP 250
People forget that Hong Kong used to be a staple. We’re talking Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and Michael Chang era. Then, poof. It vanished for over twenty years. When the ATP license finally moved from Pune to Hong Kong in 2024, nobody knew if the fans would show up. They did.
Andrey Rublev won that first comeback edition in 2024, and since then, the momentum has been sort of unstoppable. This year, the 2026 Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open felt even bigger. We had world number 8 Lorenzo Musetti as the top seed. We had local hero Coleman Wong making a fairytale run to the quarterfinals. Watching a local kid like Coleman trade blows with the world's best on Center Court? That’s what keeps this sport alive.
The tournament is technically an ATP 250. Some snobs think 250s don't matter. They’re wrong. Because it’s the first week of the season, players are fresh. They aren't "end-of-season tired" yet. They are "I-need-matches-before-the-Australian-Open" hungry. That makes for some brutal, three-set grinders.
What the TV Cameras Don't Show You
If you’ve never been to the Victoria Park Tennis Centre, it’s hard to describe the scale. It's right in the middle of Causeway Bay. You’ve got these massive skyscrapers looming over the court. It feels incredibly urban.
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This year, the "Tournament Village" was basically a Sanrio-themed wonderland. I’m not even kidding—Hello Kitty decorations everywhere. It sounds like it shouldn't work for a pro sports event, but it totally does. You can grab a beer, eat some local street food from the "Hong Kong Mania" stalls, and watch the matches on a giant LED screen for free.
The organizers made the outer courts (Court 1 and 2) free admission for the public. That’s huge. You could literally walk in off the street and see world-class tennis without spending a dime. Most big tournaments lock everything behind a paywall, but the Hong Kong Open tennis vibe is much more inclusive.
The Coleman Wong Effect
Let’s talk about Coleman Wong for a second. The kid is 21 and carrying the weight of an entire city on his shoulders. Last year, he beat Ben Shelton and made it to the third round of the US Open. Coming into the 2026 Hong Kong Open, the hype was through the roof.
He beat Mariano Navone in the first round. Then he took down Gabriel Diallo in a three-set thriller. When he stepped onto the court against Musetti in the quarters, the roar was deafening. He lost 6-4, 6-4, but he proved he belongs. For Hong Kong tennis, Coleman is the real deal. He’s the first local player to really threaten the top guys in decades.
- 2024 Champion: Andrey Rublev
- 2025 Champion: Alexandre Muller
- 2026 Champion: Alexander Bublik
Bublik's win this year was particularly interesting. He didn't just win; he dominated. He defeated Musetti in straight sets in the final. But Musetti didn't go home empty-handed—he actually won the doubles title with Lorenzo Sonego, beating the powerhouse duo of Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev. It’s rare to see top singles guys take doubles so seriously, but they clearly wanted the court time.
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Why the WTA Side is Different (and Great)
While the men play in January, the women’s tour—the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open—usually hits the city later in the year, around October. It’s part of the Asian swing.
In late 2025, we saw Victoria Mboko win a marathon final against Marina Bucsa. It was actually the longest WTA final of the entire 2025 season. Think about that. People think these late-season tournaments are just players going through the motions. Tell that to Mboko and Bucsa after three hours in the humidity.
The WTA event has its own history, featuring names like Leylah Fernandez and Caroline Wozniacki. It offers a different perspective on the city. Instead of the "new year, new me" energy of the January ATP event, the October WTA event is all about the final sprint for ranking points.
Survival Tips for Fans
If you're planning to head down to Victoria Park next year, keep a few things in mind. The weather in January is usually perfect—around 18°C to 20°C—but the sun on Center Court can still bake you.
- Get the Silver Tickets: The Gold (Lower) tier is cool, but the Silver (Upper) tier at Victoria Park actually has a better breeze and a killer view of the skyline.
- Qualifying is Free: The first couple of days are free entry. You can see top-50 players grinding just to get into the main draw.
- MTR is King: Don't try to taxi to the venue. Causeway Bay traffic is a nightmare. Take the Island Line to Tin Hau station; it’s a two-minute walk from Exit A2.
The Real Cost of a Seat
Tickets aren't exactly cheap, but they aren't Grand Slam prices either. For the 2026 event, prices ranged from about HK$370 for early rounds to HK$1,610 for the finals. If you're a student or a senior, you can snag 50% off the Silver tier tickets.
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Is it worth it? Honestly, yeah. Most ATP 250s feel a bit like a circus in a parking lot. This feels like a major event. The "M" Mark status given by the government basically means they pour money into making it look world-class.
What’s Next for Tennis in the 852?
The success of the last three years has sparked rumors that Hong Kong might push for an ATP 500 upgrade. Right now, it's a 250, which limits the prize money and the number of top-10 players who can show up. But given the sell-out crowds and the massive TV numbers, it’s only a matter of time.
The city is also investing more in junior programs because of the "Coleman Effect." You see way more kids hitting at the public courts in Victoria Park now. That’s the real legacy of the tournament. It’s not just about seeing Rublev or Bublik; it’s about making tennis feel like it belongs to Hong Kong again.
If you want to catch the action next time, mark your calendar for the first week of January 2027. The tickets usually go on sale in early December through Ticketflap. Don't wait until the last minute—the finals sell out fast, especially if a local player is deep in the draw.
Practical Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Order of Play: Don't just show up at noon. The big matches usually start after 2:00 PM, but the practice courts are best viewed in the morning.
- Download the Official App: They updated the "BOCHKTO" app this year with live court maps and food ordering. It actually works.
- Stay in Causeway Bay: If you're traveling from abroad, stay at a hotel like the Park Lane. You can literally see the courts from the rooftop bar.
The Hong Kong Open tennis revival is the best thing to happen to Asian sports in years. It’s loud, it’s colorful, and it’s fast. Just like the city itself.