China’s rising tennis star, 19-year-old Shang Juncheng, clinched his first ATP Tour title at the Chengdu Open, defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti with a scoreline of 7-6, 6-1 in the men’s singles final on Tuesday in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
Shang’s victory marks a significant milestone in Chinese tennis, as he becomes only the second player from the Chinese mainland to win a Tour-level men’s singles trophy, following Wu Yibing’s historic win at the Dallas Open earlier this year.
The match began with both players showcasing remarkable resilience. In the first set, with the score tied at 2-2, Shang earned two break points in the fifth game, but Musetti managed to hold his serve. The set continued neck-and-neck, reaching 5-5, when Shang finally broke Musetti’s serve. However, the top-seeded Italian immediately broke back, pushing the set into a tense tiebreaker.
In the tiebreak, Shang displayed exceptional composure, quickly establishing a 5-2 lead. He sealed the first set with two powerful aces, taking control of the match.
Riding on the momentum, Shang dominated the second set, overpowering Musetti with a series of aggressive shots and strategic plays. The young Chinese talent secured the set 6-1, capturing the championship title to the delight of the home crowd.
Shang’s triumph at the Chengdu Open not only highlights his personal achievements but also signifies the growing presence of Chinese players on the international tennis stage. His breakthrough is inspiring a new generation of athletes in China and across Asia.
“I’m thrilled to win my first ATP title here at home,” Shang said after the match. “It’s an incredible feeling, and I hope to build on this success in future tournaments.”
Shang’s victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication, setting the stage for an exciting future in his professional career.
Reference(s):
China's Shang Juncheng wins first title on ATP Tour at Chengdu Open
cgtn.com
