Juncheng Shang defeats Kei Nishikori amid local expectations in Chengdu | ATP Tour

Chengdu

Shang takes on Nishikori amid local excitement in Chengdu

The Chinese player is looking for his first ATP Tour title this week

September 19, 2024

Juncheng Shang has a huge responsibility on his shoulders on the ATP Tour. At just 19 years old, the Beijing native is the great hope for the future of Chinese tennis. The Asian giant is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a great figure in the locker room and the showcase of the Chengdu Open this week is a golden opportunity to strengthen that popularity.

The Chinese player made his debut on Thursday in a highly significant match, beating Japanese Kei Nishikori, the most outstanding male figure that the region has ever produced, 6-4, 6-4. The Japanese, the only Asian man to have reached a Grand Slam singles final, was overwhelmed by the Chinese player’s impetus, who was determined to make his way in a special week.

“His returns are incredible, he’s among the best in the world,” Shang said. “His game is about hitting the ball very early. He doesn’t give you too much time and he can defend any ball. All players are difficult, but he’s tough to play against because he moves the same as me. It was a really good match, Kei is a great guy and we get along really well off the court.”

Shang continues to extend a breakout season on the ATP Tour. The Chinese has managed to accumulate 20 victories this year, highlighting the semi-finals in Hong Kong and Atlanta. After adding victories in his last seven tournaments, he wants to maintain his consistency in the final stretch of the season.

Shang is competing in Chengdu with his sights set on the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF. The Chinese player is currently No. 3 in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, which will see the top eight U20 players of the season meet from Dec. 18-22 at King Abdullah Sports City.

“The goal during the Asian tour is to stay healthy and happy,” Shang said. “I don’t get the chance to play at home often. Chinese fans can’t see us every week, so this is a lot of fun.”

Now, Shang will play the second round against Roman Safiullin or Fabio Fognini.

In a day full of activity, Australian Aleksandar Vukic saved a match point to win 3-6, 7-6(9), 6-4 against Croatian Borna Coric. aussie He will be looking for his first hard court quarter-final of the season when he faces Spaniard Pedro Martínez in the second round.

Chinese wild card Zhou Yi completed his first ATP Tour win after Chun-Hsin Tseng retired in the third set. Zhou was leading 2-6, 6-1, 3-1 when Tseng was forced to retire from the tournament. The No. 531 in the PIF ATP Rankings will face either Adrian Mannarino or Frenchman Terence Atmane in the second round.

In other chokes of the tournament also came Alibek Kachmanoz (6-4, 7-6(7) of Aleksandar Kovacevic), Yannich Hanfmann (6-4, 7-6(4) of Shintaro Mochizuki) and Christopher O’Connell (6-4, 7-5 of Pavel Kotov).

Did you know…?
Juncheng Shang is aiming to become only the second Chinese man to lift an ATP Tour singles title this week. The Beijing native could follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Wu Yibing, who broke a national barrier by winning the Dallas Open trophy in 2023.