Defending Champion Rublev Upset in Hong Kong Second Round
Andrey Rublev’s preparations for the Australian Open hit a major snag as the defending champion and top seed was ousted in the second round of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. Hungarian Fabian Marozsan, ranked 58th in the world, stunned the Russian with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory in just under two hours at Victoria Park.
Rublev, ranked eighth globally, had been targeting his 76th tour-level quarterfinal but struggled to find his rhythm against the determined Marozsan. The upset raises questions about Rublev’s readiness for the first Grand Slam of the year, which begins on January 12.
Marozsan, 25, advances to face 19-year-old Chinese rising star Shang Juncheng in the quarterfinals. Shang, who has impressed on the ATP circuit, represents a fresh challenge for the Hungarian as he seeks to continue his run in Hong Kong.
While Rublev’s campaign ended prematurely, second seed Lorenzo Musetti experienced no such issues. The Italian dispatched Canadian qualifier Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 6-3 to secure his place in the quarterfinals. Musetti, known for his stylish one-handed backhand and clay-court prowess, will face Spain’s Jaume Munar in the next round.
The early exit in Hong Kong puts Rublev in a tough position heading into Melbourne. As the Australian Open looms, top players are fine-tuning their game, but Rublev will now need to focus on regrouping quickly.
For Marozsan, the victory is a career highlight and a testament to his growing potential on the ATP Tour. "It’s an incredible feeling to defeat a player like Rublev, especially as the defending champion," Marozsan said in a post-match interview.
With the Hong Kong Open heating up, all eyes will now turn to whether Marozsan can continue his giant-slaying run and if Musetti can maintain his solid form en route to the final.
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