HONG KONG, December 22, 2025 (Media Release)
Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open Men’s Singles Champion, will join a host of international stars and the best Asian tennis talent at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open (BOCHKTO) 2026.
Taking place at the iconic Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court in the heart of Hong Kong in Causeway Bay from 4 to 11 January 2026, Cilic will be playing BOCHKTO for the second time following an appearance at the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2024. A former world number three, the Croat has reached at least the semifinal stages of all four Grand Slams and won the Davis Cup in 2018 to date in a sensational career that spans over 20 years.
The 37-year-old is on the comeback trail following a knee injury that kept him out of the tour for the whole of the 2023 season and much of 2024. He won the 2024 Hangzhou Open in September 2024, less than a month after his return to the circuit. After a string of solid results, Cilic once again cracked the world’s top 100 in June of this year.
The 21-time ATP Tour winner said, “I am looking forward to returning to Hong Kong after two years and starting my 2026 season at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open.
“I have such fond memories of Hong Kong, and I can’t wait to play well in front of the tennis mad fans there. The weather is always nice at that time of the year, and the tournament is so well run and convenient, which makes it a very popular stop for the players.”
The Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 is proud of being an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark status is awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee symbolizing intense, spectacular and signature events in the territory sports calendar.
With total prize money exceeding USD 730,000, BOCHKTO 2026 has already announced that four of the top 20 – Lorenzo Musetti, Alexander Bublik, Andrey Rublev, and Karen Khachanov – will feature in the 28-player Singles’ draw.
Cilic may also face some of Asia’s top stars as the men’s singles champion and runner-up at the 15th National Games – Wu Yibing and Jerry Shang Juncheng respectively, and Hong Kong number one Coleman Wong Chak-lam – who became the first men’s player from the city to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, have also confirmed their entries.
In all, nine of the world’s top 50 have confirmed to play the BOCHKTO 2026.
Along with Cilic, world number 41 Gabriel Diallo and world number 47 Nuno Borges are the latest additions to the draw, joining Italian Lorenzo Sonego (39) and French duo, Arthur Fils (40) and BOCHKTO defending champion Alexander Muller, in one of the most competitive line-ups assembled to date for this prestigious season opening tournament.
The 24-year-old Diallo has made a steady climb up the rankings the past two seasons. He first broke into the top 100 in October 2024, and reached a career high 33 in August this year after some impressive results including his first ATP Tour win at the Libema Open. The Canadian reached the last 16 at BOCHKTO 2025, losing to Musetti.
Like Musetti, Rublev, Khachanov, Shang, and Wong, Portuguese number one Borges has entered BOCHKTO for a third consecutive year. Best known for his win over legend Rafael Nadal in the final of the Swedish Open in July 2024, the 28-year-old has been ranked inside the world’s top 60 for most of the last two years, reaching a high of 30 in September 2024. His current ranking of 47 makes him the last of the nine players ranked in the top 50 in the draw.
Michael Cheng, President of the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association said: “The Hong Kong, China Tennis Association is delighted to welcome yet another outstanding field for the Bank of China Tennis Open. Since its first edition two years ago, the tournament has hosted Grand Slam Champions, Tour winners, and the best upcoming stars from around the world, showcasing our city’s and the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open’s international appeal. In just two years, our tournament has already established itself as an annual highlight of Hong Kong’s sportainment calendar where it plays a key role in catalyzing the city’s mega events economy, spurs local consumption, and fosters ‘Sport + Tourism’.”
Free-for-all Fan Village to entice New Audiences to the Sport of Tennis
Tennis fanatic or casual fan, the BOCHKTO Tournament Village is a must-attend activity for families after a fun day out. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Sanrio Hong Kong, a range of limited-edition themed merchandise featuring Sanrio’s beloved characters will be available, including Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Pompompurin and Macaron, offering an exclusive opportunity for collectors. The Tournament Village will not only feature Sanrio-themed decorations, exclusive limited-edition merchandise, and picture-perfect photo spots, but also allow visitors to immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere and capture every memorable moment.
A number of locally sourced brands will also showcase their hand-made creations at the Hong Kong Mania. This mini market within the Tournament Village will inject the BOCHKTO 2026 with all of Hong Kong’s cultural vibrancy and artistic charm, enriching the overall fan experience for visitors and locals alike.
Fans interested in giving the emerging sport of pickleball a try during their visit to the BOCHKTO 2026 can avail of a free pickleball court in the Village for participants of all skill levels to enjoy. Attendants will be on-hand to assist those who need it to ensure everyone can get a taste of this fast-growing sport.
Various tennis-inspired games and activities will accompany the giant LED screen showing all the action live inside the stadium in the public viewing area. Visitors can watch, play, eat and drink all at the same time as we celebrate all things tennis at the BOCHKTO 2026.
The Culinary Room to Offer a Winning Epicurean Experience
Corporate hospitality ticket holders will once again have the exclusive option to upgrade their BOCHKTO 2026 experience with a visit to the tournament’s unique fine dining experience, The Culinary Room. Every day from Wednesday, 7 January, until Finals’ Day on Sunday, 11 January, a different award-winning eatery will be offering special menus to lead diners through an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
To start, fans can look forward to Chef Ricardo of MONO’s creations – global fusion with inspiration from Latin American flavours and the chef’s foundation of classical French technique on Wednesday, 7 January. Chef Ryota Kanesawa and his team from Michelin-starred eatery Ryota Kappou Modern will return with his sumptuous Japanese menu on Thursday 8 January.
Guests can kickstart their weekend on Friday, 9 January, with delightful classics from “The King of White Truffles”, Umberto Bombana, of three Michelin-starred 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana.
Chef Shane Osborn from Michelin-starred restaurant Arcane will take over the helm on Saturday, 10 January, as he creates for his guests a number of sumptuous modern European dishes. On Finals’ Day, Sunday, 11 January, diners can delight their palates and savour unique flavours through creative French dishes offered by Chef Romain Dupeyre of Racines.
Ticket sales are available via Ticketflap with prices ranging from HK$370 to HK$1,610.
For the latest tournament updates, please visit the tournament website.
