Muller topples Munar and reaches Hong Kong final

The year 2025 gets off to the best possible start for French tennis.

In the very first week of competition, a French player is set to contest the final of a tournament, and it's Alexandre Muller.

After beating Marc-Andrea Huesler, Miomir Kecmanovic (saving two match points in the process) and his compatriot Arthur Fils, Muller dominated Jaume Munar.

As in all his previous matches, the 27-year-old played a three-set match.

Trailing by a set and a break at the start of the second set of his semi-final, the 67th player in the world broke back to clinch the tiebreak.

Having broken away, he saw Munar gradually make up ground, but with a final attack at the net, the Frenchman finally levelled at one set apiece (7 points to 5).

In the deciding set, Muller took the Spaniard's serve in the very first game and, despite an unconverted double break point, managed to hold on to his advantage right to the end.

Muller then won a backhand to book his place in the final (4-6, 7-6, 6-4).

This will be his second career final, following his defeat by Roberto Carballes Baena in Marrakech in 2023.

In his bid for his first ATP title, he will face the winner of the second semi-final between Kei Nishikori and Shang Juncheng.

He is already assured of a place in the top 60 and the highest ranking of his career next Monday.