Andrey Rublev Upset in Hong Kong Open

Andrey Rublev, the top seed and defending champion at the Hong Kong Open, suffered a surprising second-round defeat to Hungary's Fabian Marozsan, ranked 58th, with a score of 5-7, 6-3, 3-6. This unexpected loss comes just before the Australian Open, marking a setback in Rublev's preparations as he aimed for a 76th tour-level quarter-final. Marozsan will now face China's Shang Juncheng in the quarterfinals, who advanced after easily defeating seventh seed Pedro Martinez. Meanwhile, second seed Lorenzo Musetti progressed smoothly, defeating Canadian qualifier Gabriel Diallo. Rublev previously had a successful year, winning his first title of the season in Hong Kong, but this early exit contrasts sharply with his achievements last year. He will now focus on regrouping ahead of the Australian Open.