Andrey Rublev wins Hong Kong Tennis Open title

Andrey Rublev captured his 15th tour-level title and 10th on hard courts on Sunday at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open, where he defeated Finn Emil Ruusuvuori, who was chasing his maiden tour-level crown.

The 26-year-old Rublev earned a 6-4, 6-4 victory at the ATP 250 event to start his season in style. 

"It is a great feeling," Rublev said. "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."

Top seed Rublev was made to work hard for the title in Hong Kong, where the ATP Tour returned for the first time since 2002 this week. 

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

(Staff reporter and ATP Tours)