The 2026 ATP circuit season kicked off in Hong Kong, with Marin Cilic as the star of the opening day. The world number three put the bad memories of 2024 behind him and returned to the Asian tournament with a solid victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, 6-3, 6-2. The 2014 US Open champion felt comfortable despite a low first-serve percentage. When he managed to get his serves in, he was practically untouchable and closed the match with nine aces, also extending his head-to-head lead over the Frenchman. In addition to the Balkan player's victory, the day also brought other notable results. Portuguese player Nuno Borges defeated Bosnian Damir Dzumhur 6-4, 6-3 and will face Cilic in the next round. Chinese player Wu Yibing also clearly defeated Hungarian Fabián Marozsán 6-4, 6-2, and will now face defending champion Andrey Rublev in the second round. Argentine attention will arrive on Tuesday with the debut of three national representatives. Tomás Etcheverry will face Frenchman Valentin Royer, Mariano Navone will face local player Coleman Wong, and Francisco Comesaña will have a demanding debut against Chinese player Juncheng Shang, in search of advancing and joining the South American presence in Hong Kong.
