In an impressive display of skill and determination, China’s Shang Juncheng defeated seventh seed Pedro Martinez of Spain 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday at the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Hong Kong Open in south China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), securing his spot in the quarterfinals.
At just 19 years old, Shang, currently ranked 50th in the world, faced off against Martinez, ranked 43rd. The two had clashed twice before on clay courts, with Martinez prevailing in both encounters. This was their first meeting on a hard court, and Shang seized the opportunity to turn the tables.
Shang started confidently, holding his first four service games. In the eighth game, he broke Martinez’s serve to take a 5-3 lead and then clinched the first set with a commanding love game, moving ahead 1-0 in the match.
Riding the momentum, Shang dominated the second set, converting two straight break points to establish a 4-0 advantage. He ultimately sealed the match with his fourth break, marking the fifth time he has reached an ATP Tour quarterfinal in his burgeoning career.
“After 3-3, there was a big change in speed from my side,” Shang reflected. “I was playing with more confidence and swinging much harder; the winners were coming, and my serves were fast. I started tight but finished strong. I could start more confidently—hit my forehands and step in more. But overall, it was a nine out of 10.”
Shang will next face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, who stunned the tournament’s top seed and reigning champion Andrey Rublev of Russia with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory in just under two hours.
“This was a big win for me. Andrey is a great player,” Marozsan said. “It’s not easy for me with the crowd against me. Andrey won this tournament last year; everyone loves him. Jerry is one of the fans’ favorites here. It’s a little bit like the Davis Cup, with everyone supporting your opponent. But I have to focus on myself and play my best.”
Reference(s):
China's Shang Juncheng advances to quarterfinals at ATP Hong Kong Open
cgtn.com
