China's 20-year-old Shang Juncheng hits a return during his straight-sets win against 10th-ranked Russian star Karen Khachanov in a second-round match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters in Shanghai on Saturday. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY
Home favorite Shang Juncheng made history in Shanghai on Saturday by reaching the third round of a top-tier ATP 1000 tournament for the first time in his budding career, becoming the sole Chinese representative at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
The 20-year-old did so with a career-first win against a top-10 opponent, stunning Karen Khachanov 7-6 (3), 6-3 in one hour and 42 minutes in his second-round encounter with the big-serving Russian at the packed Stadium Court at Qizhong Tennis Center in Shanghai's western suburbs.
The victory was Shang's fifth career win in the ATP 1000 series, where, aged 19, he became the youngest Chinese man ever to register a main-draw triumph at that level with a straight-sets win over Jordan Thompson at Indian Wells, California, in March last year.
Shang Juncheng signs autographs for fans in Shanghai on Saturday after achieving his deepest run so far at an ATP 1000 tournament, fighting his way into the third round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY
Shang will next challenge Nuno Borges, Portugal's world No 51, on Monday in the round of 32.
"It's an unbelievable match against Karen today. He's a very solid top-10 player. Coming into the match I didn't think too much, I just wanted to put on a show for the people," Shang said during his on-court interview after the win.
"I didn't start perfectly in the match, but I kept fighting, kept focusing, no matter winning or losing. Glad that I got the win. Overall, I am happy with my performance, even if I had gone down with a loss."
Apart from his composure and precision, Shang attributed his scintillating form to the energy from his cheering family in the stands, including vocal support from his grandmother.
"I am super happy to have family here," Shang said. "Winning here at such a big stage means a lot, especially at home, and having them watch me is incredible."
Shang's third-round appearance in Shanghai, where he was eliminated by world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the second round last year, has given him a much needed confidence boost amid a tough season that saw him sidelined with a foot injury for half a year, ever since the Australian Open.
Shang Juncheng's grandmother (center) celebrates his career breakthrough win in the second round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters in Shanghai on Saturday. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY
Now he is back healthy and hungry, the Beijing native is expected to continue striving for records in Chinese men's tennis. In May last year, he became the youngest Chinese man to crack the top-100 rankings, before becoming the first to win an ATP Tour title on home soil with his triumphant run at the ATP 250 Chengdu Open in September.
In an earlier second-round match, China's current top-ranked man, Buyunchaokete, who is ranked 121st, was beaten by Italy's No 26 seed Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-4 at the Grandstand 2 Court, ending his Rolex Shanghai Masters campaign earlier than expected.
