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Letters

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words
I refer to your reporting on the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open, including “Bublik ‘overwhelmed’ after claiming title, making world’s top 10” (January 11).
Last week, I was lucky to experience world-class tennis at Victoria Park, witnessing not only elite performances on court but also an exceptionally well-run tournament off it. From the efficiency of the operations to the warmth of the staff and volunteers, the tournament lived up to international standards while retaining a distinctly human touch.
Victoria Park itself is a landmark in Hong Kong tennis. Watching matches here feels less like attending a distant mega-event and more like joining a neighbourhood carnival. Fan engagement was outstanding, from interactive games at the tournament village to a Hong Kong-themed market that added local flavour.
What impressed me most, however, was the quality of Hong Kong’s tennis fans. They understand the game, know when to stay silent and when to erupt, their witty chants often drawing smiles from those around them. Even when fans backed opposing players, there was a shared respect in the stands – passionate support without hostility. It is a crowd that players clearly appreciate.
Like last October’s Prudential Hong Kong Open, this ATP tournament was also an “M” Mark event and a strong calling card for Hong Kong sports. Given the shared DNA of both tournaments, Hong Kong should seriously explore combining the ATP 250 and WTA 250 tournaments into a unified Hong Kong Open. While calendar coordination with the men’s Association of Tennis Professionals and the Women’s Tennis Association would require effort, a joint men’s and women’s event would significantly elevate Hong Kong’s global sporting profile, without sacrificing the community spirit that makes Victoria Park special.
Beck Wu, To Kwa Wan
Eliminate bottlenecks at West Kowloon station
Your correspondent celebrates the high-speed rail (“High-speed rail link is a resounding success”, January 13) and we share his enthusiasm as frequent users. However, the co-location arrangement could still be improved.
Departing passengers face two security screenings. Arriving passengers must tap out at exit gates after already clearing two immigration checkpoints, creating crowding at this final bottleneck. Since travel documents now contain ticket data, station checkout should merge with immigration. Security screenings should also be consolidated. Looking ahead, Macau’s joint checkpoint with Zhuhai uses the same machine for both sides – a model West Kowloon should eventually adopt.
Talia Wu and Simon Wang, Kowloon Tong
Hong Kong will benefit from being more inclusive
It has been nearly one year since Thailand implemented marriage equality. But in Hong Kong, the government has yet to articulate a clear road map for recognising same-sex relationships following the legislative setback of September.
Data from an Open for Business report suggests that this policy inertia is not merely a social issue but a material economic liability. For a city that prides itself on being business-savvy, it is puzzling that policymakers continue to overlook a demographic that could generate up to HK$2.2 billion (US$282.18 million) annually for Hong Kong’s vital tourism sector. At a time when travellers increasingly favour inclusive destinations, Hong Kong is voluntarily ceding market share to regional and international competitors.
Even more concerning is the impact on human capital. The report identifies the lack of legal protections for LGBTQ+ persons as a driver of brain drain, with talent flight estimated to cost Hong Kong up to HK$22.6 billion annually in lost economic value and diminished innovation capacity. As the city seeks aggressively to attract global talent, it makes no sense to alienate high-skilled, high-performing professionals who prioritise inclusivity when deciding where to build their lives and careers.
If Hong Kong wishes to maintain its position as a leading international financial centre, it must not rest on its laurels. Pragmatism, not ideology, should guide the way forward. As an immediate step, the government should announce, as soon as practicable, the administrative measures it intends to adopt to protect same-sex relationships. In parallel, it should engage key stakeholders to chart a clear path towards comprehensive legal recognition and protection.
Embracing marriage equality is not only a matter of fairness, but a strategic economic imperative.
Jerome Yau, co-founder, Hong Kong Marriage Equality


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Hong Kong

Hong Kong has what it takes to run a bigger tennis tournament

Fans cheer during a semifinal of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open at Victoria Park on January 10. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong champion Bublik on celebratory beers, 24 hours in Vegas and doomed major mission

Alexander Bublik celebrates winning a point against Lorenzo Musetti in the Hong Kong Open final. Photo: Karma Lo

Alexander Bublik shows off the latest addition to his fast-filling trophy cabinet. Photo: Karma Lo

Alexander Bublik celebrates winning the Hong Kong final for a fifth title in seven months. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong Tennis Open: Bublik ‘overwhelmed’ after claiming title, making world’s top 10

Alexander Bublik celebrates after beating Lorenzo Musetti in the final of the men’s singles at the Bank of China Hong Kong Open. Photo: Karma Lo

Alexander Bublik (left) poses with runner-up Lorenzo Musetti after winning the Hong Kong Tennis Open. Photo: Karma Lo

Lorenzo Musetti chases another booming Alexander Bublik groundstroke. Photo: Karma Lo

Opinion

Readers discuss the possibility of a unified Hong Kong tennis open, how to improve the co-location arrangement for passengers, and a pragmatic approach to marriage equality


Readers discuss the possibility of a unified Hong Kong tennis open, how to improve the co-location arrangement for passengers, and a pragmatic approach to marriage equality.


Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open

ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals)

Hong Kong Marriage Equality