The 27-year-old Alexandre Muller enjoyed a memorable week in Hong Kong. The Frenchman defeated five rivals en route to his first ATP title. World no. 67 survived all the challenges and lifted a trophy while writing history books!
Namely, Muller became the first player to win an ATP title after coming from a set down in all five matches! Chasing the result is never easy, but it seemed Alexandre like it that way in Hong Kong! The Frenchman defended two match points in the second round against Miomir Kecmanovic.
He came from a set down against Arthur Fils and Jaume Munar en route to his second ATP final. You guess, he lost the opener against Kei Nishikori before prevailing 2-6, 6-1, 6-3, celebrating his first ATP title at 27.
Kei Nishikori, Hong Kong 2025© Stream screenshot
Nishikori fought in his first ATP title match in six years. The veteran made a flying start before losing ground in set number two. Muller served well in the decider and rattled off four games at 2-3 to emerge at the top and earn the trophy.
The Frenchman landed in 78% of the first serve, a desired ratio in every title match! he outplayed the Japanese behind the first serve but struggled after missing it. Alexandre lost serve two times in the opener and kept everything under control in sets two and three.
He stole the former world no. 4’s serve four times, bouncing back after a slow start and sealing the deal in style. The more experienced player denied a break point at the beginning of the duel and took charge on the return.
Alexandre Muller, Hong Kong 2025© Stream screenshot
Nishikori scored breaks in games five and seven, winning the opener 6-2 and moving closer to the finish line. However, Muller started his comeback in the second set, a familiar pattern in his matches this week.
The Frenchman served well and provided back-to-back breaks, wrapping up the set 6-1 in under half an hour and introducing a decider. Alexandre controlled his service games in the final set and kept the pressure on the other side.
Muller missed his chances in the third game but kept his composure. He took charge from 2-3, rattling off four games and sealing the deal with breaks in games seven and nine. Kei was not happy with his performance after the match, but he should be!
It was the first ATP title match for the veteran in six years, and it should give him confidence ahead of the Australian Open.
Tennis World USA