Chinese Men’s Tennis on the Rise: Zhang Zhizhen and Shang Juncheng Advance to Finals

Zhang Zhizhen and Shang Juncheng have made history by becoming the first Chinese players to reach the finals of the ATP250 Chengdu Open and Hangzhou Open in the same week.

On September 23, 19-year-old Shang Juncheng defeated German player Hanfmann 6-4, 6-4 in the Chengdu Open semifinals, securing his spot in the finals. Later that day, Zhang Zhizhen defeated his teammate Buyun Chaoket 7-6 (3), 6-4 in a thrilling “Chinese derby” in the Hangzhou Open semifinals, advancing to the finals.

This marks the first time both Zhang Zhizhen and Shang Juncheng have entered the ATP Tour singles finals in their careers. They will face stiff competition in the finals, with Zhang Zhizhen set to challenge former US Open champion Marin Cilic, and Shang Juncheng facing off against top seed Italian player Musetti.

The Chinese tennis season has just begun, and the Chinese men’s tennis team is already making waves with collective breakthroughs. Zhang Zhizhen expressed his emotions after entering the quarterfinals, saying, “Playing at home, we can also make some small achievements.” Tomorrow night, Zhang Zhizhen and Shang Juncheng will give it their all in their respective arenas, striving to win the local tour championship for the Chinese men’s tennis team.

Source: People’s Daily Client Author: Li Shuo Editor: Chen Zhouying