Chinese tennis star Shang Juncheng marked a triumphant return to competitive play Wednesday, defeating Belgium's Zizou Bergs 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 in a grueling three-set match at the ATP Chengdu Open. The 20-year-old, competing in his first tournament since undergoing foot surgery in March, showcased resilience in front of a home crowd in Sichuan Province.
Ranked World No. 138, Shang saved six of seven break points against World No. 46 Bergs, according to Infosys ATP Stats. The decisive third set saw the left-hander rally from a 40-0 deficit at 5-3, eventually closing the match with a love hold – a pivotal moment that brought spectators to their feet.
This victory marks Shang's first win since returning to the ATP Tour in July after a six-month recovery period. The defending champion now faces fourth-seeded American Brandon Nakashima in the round of 16, setting up a high-stakes clash between youth and experience.
The Chengdu Open continues to draw international attention as both emerging talents and established players compete in one of China's premier tennis events, highlighting the growing prominence of Asian tournaments in global sports.
