Andrey Rublev, Marin Cilic added to line-up for return of Hong Kong Tennis Open as organisers hint future lies at new venue
- Victoria Park ‘no longer suitable for modern professional tennis’, city’s tennis chief Philip Mok says, hinting a move to Kai Tak Sports Park could appeal
- Karen Khachanov and Frances Tiafoe also join Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong in the draw as the tournament comes back after 21-year absence
World No 5 Andrey Rublev and former grand-slam event winner Marin Cilic have been added to the line-up for the long-awaited return of high-level men’s tennis to Hong Kong at the end of the month.
Joining them at the Hong Kong Tennis Open – back after a 21-year absence and running from December 31 to January 7 at Victoria Park – are Karen Khachanov and Frances Tiafoe, ranked No 15 and 16 in the world respectively.
But the city’s tennis chief Philip Mok Kwan-yat on Tuesday admitted bringing bigger and better events to Hong Kong may depend on finding a new venue away from Victoria Park.
“The number of seats is an ATP requirement if we wish to host better tournaments,” Mok said. “There are many other things – for example, the umpire room and the players’ lounge.
“Victoria Park was built 40 years ago, so it is no longer suitable for modern professional tennis. Perhaps we can move to Kai Tak Sports Park when it is completed.