China's Wu Yibing prepares to hit a shot against Hungary's Fabian Marozsan in a men's singles first round match at the ATP Hong Kong Open in Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region), China, Jan 5. [Photo/VCG]

China's Wu Yibing swept past Hungary's Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 6-2 to win his season opener at the ATP Hong Kong Open on Jan 5.

Wu entered the tournament as a wildcard and made an immediate impact, landing a passing forehand to convert an early service break.

The 26-year-old, who became the first Chinese player to win a men's singles title on the ATP Tour at the 2023 Dallas Open, nailed another passing forehand to convert another break, moving ahead 3-2 in the first set.

The former Junior World No. 1 and US Open boys singles and doubles champion then produced a smart lob on his way to claiming the opening frame 6-4.

Despite being absent from the ATP Tour for most of last season, Wu won a Challenger title in Texas and came into the new season looking to build on that momentum by emphasizing shots like his powerful cross-court backhand.

The Hangzhou native extended his edge to 5-2 in the second set after Marozsan dumped a backhand into the net to concede another break.

The former World No. 54 then closed things out 6-2 to start the 2026 season with a win, setting up a meeting with Russia's Andrey Rublev in the second round.