Rublev Wins 15th Title, Takes Hong Kong Over Ruusuvuori

Top seeded Andrey Rublev collected his 15th career title topping Emil Ruusuvuori 6-4, 6-4 to win Hong Kong.

The 26-year-old Rublev connected on five aces, lost just four points on second serve and saved the only break point he faced. The Russian broke for 4-3 in the first and 5-4 in the second, and then served it out for his first title on hard court since Gijon 15 months ago.

“It is a great feeling,” Rublev said to the ATP website. “I enjoyed my week a lot here. It is a great feeling to start the season with the title. I liked the city, the tournament and I played good tennis.

“I played a good level of tennis the whole tournament,” he added. “I think I played a high level in the final. It will give me more confidence for Australian Open.”

After three misses last year, Rublev is 0-9 in Slam quarterfinals, and 0-2 in Melbourne. It’s his 9th title of his 15 at the 250 level.