Chinese attack! Shang earned very valuable scalps and a wild card at the Australian Open

Chinese tennis has two representatives in the world top 100, but this week someone completely different made his presence known. Eighteen-year-old Juncheng Shang impressed with his run at the Hong Kong tournament and will play at the Australian Open. Why shouldn’t this player escape your attention?

Shang in Hong Kong

Only 18 years old, China’s Juncheng Shang entered the ATP tournament in Hong Kong like big water. Round after round he entered the match as an underdog and still managed to work his way into the top four players.

He took on Serbian Djer, Dutchman Van de Zandschulp and then American Tiafoe. All three of China’s opponents are among the elite fifty on the ATP circuit.

And these were not just any matches. The nearly three-hour battle with Djer was broken by Shang in the third set tiebreak. The match with the Dutchman ended in a shortened game in each of the three sets.

The Beijing native was stopped only by the tournament’s number one Russian Rubljov. But even here the Chinese tennis player was far from success. He won the first set and the last set was decided by just one loss of his serve in the final part of the set.

And even though Shang considers his favourite shot to be his forehand, he impressed in the match against the Russian with his uncompromising backhand.

The tournament in Hong Kong was so interesting with the return of Marin Cilic. The Croatian fell in the match, having missed nine match points.

A wild card for Jerry

The Chinese tennis player is in the second hundred of the ATP rankings, but he should definitely not escape the attention of tennis fans. In fact, he is currently the highest ranked player under the age of nineteen on the ATP circuit.

His nickname, Jerry, speaks volumes about a favourite childhood character and this tennis Jerry will also play in the opening Grand Slam of the season. The organisers of the Australian Open have decided to give him a wild card.

Shang is currently the third best Chinese tennis player. and he could hardly have avoided a sporting career. His father was a professional footballer and his mother a top table tennis player.

In conclusion..

Being the highest ranked 18-year-old player on the rankings is a promise in itself. Moreover, Shang made his presence felt with a well played tournament in Hong Kong.

All this a week before the Australian Open. Can he one day match his mother’s performance? This year will certainly give a clue.

Source: ATP, X