MACAU, December 25, 2024 (Press Release)
It was a day that highlighted the magic of Macau as a sporting destination, with the 2024 MGM Macau Tennis Masters concluding on a high note that left fans with memories to cherish long after the event.
Excitement was in the air early, as fans flocked to the Macao Forum hours before the matches began, forming long queues outside the stadium to meet Andrey Rublev and Jerry Shang, two of the most adored ATP players amongst Chinese fans. The duo made dreams come true, signing autographs and taking photos, creating unforgettable moments for their supporters.
The day’s on-court action began with a revamped Captains Challenge that added fresh twists to the format. Three players from each team faced off in singles, rotating after a losing a rally and needing to secure three consecutive winners to earn a point. The third round introduced even more entertaining stipulations, such as scoring only off opponents’ errors or hitting returns beyond the service line. After an intense showdown and a tied score after three rounds, Andrey Rublev clinched victory for Team Michael Chang by edging out Casper Ruud in a single-point contest, extending their lead to 5-3.
The first singles match saw Karolina Muchova prevail over Wang Xinyu 6-3, 7-5 in a spirited contest that blended camaraderie with competitive intensity. Buoyed by the support of the large home crowd, China’s world No.37 mounted an impressive fightback in the second set but could not capitalise on the two set points she held while serving at 5-4. Her world No.22 Czech opponent held her nerve to win three games on the trot and clinch victory for her team.
“Every win is nice, and I’m happy we get to play a match before heading to Australia. In Macau, it’s been such a great experience—they treat us so well, and there are so many fans. I really enjoy my time here,” Muchova shared after the match.
Wang, ever gracious in defeat, acknowledged both her opponent’s performance and the local crowd: “It was a good match, and as always, I enjoyed playing with Karolina. It always makes me happy to play in front of the fans here in Macau.”
Following their match, both players took time to meet fans and sign autographs in the foyer of the Macao Forum, leaving attendees with treasured memories and special souvenirs from this unique event.
In the second match of the day, world No.6 Casper Ruud and world No. 8 Andrey Rublev delivered a captivating display of high-level tennis, combining precise shot-making with light-hearted antics to thrill the packed crowd. Rublev’s serve was particularly impressive, and he secured a break in each set to claim a 6-4, 7-5 victory.
“It was a great match to prepare for the upcoming season. I’d love to continue serving the way I’ve been serving the past two days, so I’m excited to see how it’s going to be in the new season,” Rublev shared post-match.
The 27-year-old also reflected on the experience of meeting the team captains and expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support of his fans. “It was a special feeling to have Michael Chang next to my bench and to see Li Na around. I had never met them before, so it was a pleasure and an honour to chat with them. I’m also incredibly thankful for the fans who came with posters and signs to cheer me on. They’ve made my time here truly enjoyable and unforgettable.”
With Team Michael Chang sealing their overall triumph, thanks to six points earned from consecutive victories, the event’s final match transformed into a joyful spectacle befitting the festive spirit of Christmas. Jerry Shang and Kei Nishikori delighted the crowd with a playful display of trick shots, comedic antics, and infectious laughter. Shang, who ultimately claimed a 6-3, 6-4 victory, even handed his racquet to a ball boy at one point, allowing him to play a point—a moment that had the audience roaring with delight.
“Exhibitions are always special,” said the 19-year-old Shang. “You get an amazing crowd on the court, and the team energy adds another layer of fun. Kei and I talked before the match and decided to use the opportunity to practice some shots we wouldn’t normally try in a competitive setting. We had a lot of fun while still playing some good tennis. Macau has been incredibly fun, and everything about this event has been great—I’m sure I’ll be back in no time.”
With the final score standing at 11-6 after two days of thrilling matches, Michael Chang paid tribute to his victorious team and the enthusiastic crowd. “It’s been great to have such an incredible team—everyone played fantastic and contributed. We hit some amazing shots, had a lot of fun along the way, and got the job done. It was truly special to see Macau tennis fans come out and spend their Christmas Day with us,” said the winning captain.
Chang also spoke of the success of the event and the joy it brought him personally. “My family and I have absolutely loved our time here. The event was so well organised, and it’s been a real privilege to be part of it. I’m already asking if there’s any chance I can come back!” he added with a smile.
As the curtains close on this year’s MGM Macau Tennis Masters, the excitement is already building for next year’s event. We look forward to welcoming even more tennis stars and fans in 2025 for another unforgettable celebration of sport, culture, and community here in Macau.
Co-organised by MGM and IMG, the “2024 MGM Macau Tennis Masters” is honoured to have the support of the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government, Macao Government Tourism Office, and the Macau Tennis Association, together with our distinguished partners, including the official outfitter FILA, official airline Eva Air and the official water Bonaqua.
