Shang Juncheng Stuns Tennis World: Rising Star Takes Down Former US Open Finalist Kei Nishikori at ATP Chengdu Open
ATP Chengdu Open: Shang Juncheng Defeats Kei Nishikori
Source: Xinhuanet
Author: Chen Di
Published: 2024-09-20 14:28:36.0
China’s Rising Star Advances to Men’s Singles Second Round
The Men’s Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) 250 Chengdu Open entered its third match day on September 19. In the focus match, China’s rising star Shang Juncheng defeated Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori 2:0 and advanced to the men’s singles second round.
Shang Juncheng, 19, has been making waves in the tennis world. He won second place in the men’s singles at the US Open youth group in 2021 and has performed well this year, entering the third round at both the US and Australian Opens. His global ranking has risen to 67th.
Kei Nishikori, Shang’s opponent, is a seasoned player and runner-up at the US Open 10 years ago. He was ranked fourth in the world and had previously defeated Shang Juncheng in the Atlanta ATP250 2023 Tournament. However, Shang was determined to make a comeback and said before the game that he was looking forward to the challenge.
The match was a fierce battle, with both sides giving their all. Shang Juncheng played exceptionally well, winning the first set 6:4 and the second set 6:4, securing a 2:0 victory.
“Now I feel that the more I play, the more relaxed I am, so I have no pressure on the trip, I enjoy every game,” Shang Juncheng said after the match. “I enjoy these games and every point. It’s nice to give 100% of your own strength.”
Shang Juncheng’s family was in attendance, having traveled to Chengdu to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival with him. He credited his parents with creating a supportive environment that allowed him to compete without pressure.
“my ability has improved. I’ve learned a lot of lessons this year and had some good experiences,” Shang Juncheng said. “I’m returning to domestic competition this time, and I’ve lowered my standards. It’s not that I’m not winning, or that I’m lowering my training standards, but that I’m lowering my expectations, enjoying the enthusiasm of the audience, enjoying the feeling that everyone is watching me play, and playing to my own level.”
In an earlier match, another 19-year-old Chinese player, Zhou Yi, earned his first career tour main draw victory. When he was leading 3:1 in the final set, his opponent Zeng Junxin from the Chinese Taipei team retired due to injury.