In an exhilarating start to the MGM Macao Tennis Masters, Team Michael Chang edged ahead of Team Li Na with a 4-3 lead after the first day’s play on Tuesday in south China’s Macao Special Administrative Region.
As Asia’s first mixed men’s and women’s team tennis tournament, the event brings together a stellar lineup captained by Grand Slam champions Li Na and Michael Chang. The tournament is also a highlight of the 25th anniversary celebrations marking the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region.
Team Li Na boasts Chinese rising stars Shang Juncheng and Wang Xinyu, alongside World No. 6 Casper Ruud of Norway. Opposing them, Michael Chang’s team features World No. 8 Andrey Rublev of Russia, 2023 French Open women’s singles runner-up Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic, and Japan’s Kei Nishikori.
The competition kicked off with an entertaining challenge where players attempted to hit as many targets as possible using no more than one forehand and one backhand. Shang Juncheng showcased his precision by hitting three targets, while Michael Chang missed, securing the first point for Team Li Na.
Casper Ruud extended Team Li Na’s lead to 3-0 after a hard-fought victory over Kei Nishikori in men’s singles, winning 4-6, 6-3, 10-7. However, Andrey Rublev turned the tide for Team Michael Chang, defeating Shang Juncheng 6-3, 6-4 in the subsequent men’s singles match, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
In the final match of the day, Rublev partnered with Karolina Muchova in the mixed doubles, overcoming Shang and Wang 6-4, 6-3. This win propelled Team Michael Chang to a 4-3 advantage, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of the tournament.
The MGM Macao Tennis Masters continues to captivate fans with high-caliber tennis and marks a significant moment in Asian tennis history, celebrating both sporting excellence and Macao’s vibrant spirit.
Reference(s):
Team Michael Chang leads Team Li Na 4-3 at Macau Tennis Masters
cgtn.com
