ATP Chengdu Open: Shang Juncheng Advances to Quarterfinals, Musetti Wins in Debut

China News Service, Chengdu, September 22 (Reporter He Shaoqing) In the second round of the ATP Chengdu Open, Chinese player Shang Juncheng reversed the Russian player and last ATP Chengdu Open runner-up Safiullin 5:7, 6:3, 6:3, successfully advancing to the quarterfinals.

Shang Juncheng, who recently entered the top 32 of the US Open, has risen to the top 70 in the world rankings. At just 19 years old, he entered the top 32 of the Australian Open for the first time this year and became the first male player from mainland China to win the Wimbledon main draw. This is not the first time Shang Juncheng and Safiullin have faced off; in 2022, Shang Juncheng defeated Safiullin in the Lexington Challenge.

After the game, Shang Juncheng credited the audience’s cheers for keeping him motivated. “When I lost the first set, the cheers from the audience kept me from giving up, and I played every point patiently.” He will compete with Bublik for a place in the semi-finals, which promises to be a tough match. For now, recovering to a good state is his top priority.

Top seed Lorenzo Musetti, who had a bye in the first round, made his debut against Christopher O’Connell of Australia. The two played fiercely, with both the first and third sets going into tiebreaks. Musetti won the match 2:1.

Musetti acknowledged that his patience was key to his victory. “We should never take it lightly,” he said. He also expressed his appreciation for the welcome and support from the people of Chengdu. “It feels so good to play here.”