Tennis history was made in Hong Kong as Alexander Bublik became the first Kazakhstani man to crack the ATP top 10, defeating Lorenzo Musetti 7-6(2), 6-3 to claim his ninth career title. Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev made a statement start to 2026 with the Brisbane crown, and Hubert Hurkacz completed an emotional injury comeback at the United Cup.
Bublik makes Kazakhstani history in Hong Kong
Alexander Bublik achieved his season-long goal in the first week of 2026, capturing the Hong Kong title to secure his debut in the ATP top 10. The 28-year-old Kazakhstani overcame Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, continuing his remarkable form from late 2025 when he lifted four titles in the season's final months.
Bublik's powerful baseline game proved too much for the Italian, who suffered his seventh consecutive final defeat and dropped to 2-7 in tour-level title matches. Despite the loss, Musetti will climb into the top 5 for the first time, joining Jannik Sinner and Adriano Panatta as only the third Italian to reach those heights.
The pressure statistics revealed Bublik's clinical performance when it mattered most. He won 11 of 15 serve pressure points while capitalizing superbly on return, converting 8 of 18 return pressure points. His 10 aces and dominant first-serve percentage of 78% kept Musetti at bay throughout, breaking serve three times from seven opportunities.
Medvedev continues unique streak in Brisbane
Daniil Medvedev extended one of tennis's most unusual records, claiming his 22nd ATP title at his 22nd different tournament with a 6-2, 7-6(1) victory over Brandon Nakashima in Brisbane. The former world No. 1 overcame a late wobble in the second set to seal his first title since ending a two-and-a-half-year drought in Almaty last October.
After dominating the opening set, Medvedev faced tension serving for the championship at 5-4, letting slip two match points. However, the 29-year-old Russian quickly regrouped in the tiebreak, racing to a 7-1 advantage to complete victory after one hour and 34 minutes.
The statistics highlighted Medvedev's clutch performance under pressure, winning 16 of 21 serve pressure points while proving equally effective on return with 7 of 11 return pressure points. His 10 aces and 71% first-serve winning percentage demonstrated the improved serving that has marked his resurgence under new coaching guidance.
Ranking movements
All the finalists from today's ATP 250 finals capitalized on their good runs in opening season of the week. Apart from Bublik's and Musetti's milestones, Medvedev continues his comeback run after mostly miserable 2025 season which turned the trajectory just in the latest period. The former world number one moves up to 12th place and his never lost quality with current confidence promises the quick comeback into top 10. Brandon Nakashima moves up into 29th, his best career's rank and first time ever in top 30.