Beijing, China – In a thrilling display of resilience, Buyunchaokete overcame compatriot Shang Juncheng in a three-set showdown at the China Open on Friday. The match, which captivated fans at the National Tennis Center, saw Buyunchaokete rally from a set down to secure a 6(3)-7, 6-2, 6-4 victory, propelling him into the tournament's second round.
Both players entered the court riding waves of recent success. Buyunchaokete had just made headlines by reaching the semifinals at the Hangzhou Open earlier this week, while Shang was fresh off capturing his maiden ATP Tour title at the Chengdu Open.
The first set was a tightly contested affair. Each player held serve until 3-3, showcasing powerful serves and strategic play. Shang broke through in the seventh game, seizing two break points. Despite Buyunchaokete firing two aces to fend off the challenge, Shang ultimately claimed the game and surged ahead. However, Buyunchaokete fought back, breaking Shang's serve to force a tiebreaker. Shang maintained his composure to edge out the tiebreak and take the first set.
Undeterred, Buyunchaokete came out swinging in the second set, immediately breaking Shang's serve. Dominating the baseline exchanges, he secured three breaks in total, wrapping up the set with a commanding ace and leveling the match.
The decisive third set was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Both players exchanged breaks, intensifying the battle to a 4-4 stalemate. In the critical moments, Shang faltered on his fifth service game, and Buyunchaokete capitalized. Serving for the match, Buyunchaokete delivered an ace to earn match point and sealed his victory with a final powerful serve.
“It was a tough match against a strong opponent,” Buyunchaokete said after the win. “I had to stay focused and fight for every point.”
Advancing to the next round, Buyunchaokete is set to face Italy’s No. 6 seed Lorenzo Musetti, a challenging opponent who will test his form and determination.
In other matches, Zhang Zhizhen of China faced a setback, falling to Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 3-6, 6-4, 3-6. Meanwhile, second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz of Spain dispatched France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-4, demonstrating his strong form in the tournament.
Reference(s):
Buyunchaokete of China advances to second round at China Open
cgtn.com
