Qualifier Shang Juncheng says his hard work has paid off after he became the first Chinese man in history to win an Australian Open main draw match at the age of 17.
The world No.194, who was born four months before Rafael Nadal won his first Grand Slam title at the 2005 French Open, produced a stunning win over Germany’s Oscar Otte – 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5. Otte is currently ranked 120 places higher than Juncheng and is 12 years older than him.
It is a remarkable win for the youngster who previously defeated Fabian Marozsan, Fernando Verdasco and Zsombor Piros in the qualifying tournament last week. Prior to the Australian Open, he has only played in the main draw of an ATP Tour event three times in his career and was yet to record a win.
“I’m a little surprised that I came this fast, but at the same time, I think it’s all the hard work from my team and myself that paid off,” Shang said of his breakthrough. “I think I’m just nothing else but excited about what’s coming next.”
Based at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Shang has already shown glimpses of his potential on the junior Tour by reaching the final of the US Open boy’s tournament and rising to No.1 in the world in 2021. Then last year he won his biggest senior title yet at a Challenger event in Lexington, America.
Guiding Juncheng on the Tour is Dante Bottini who is the former coach of Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov. Before Bottini, he was also mentored by former Olympic champion Marcelo Rios. The tennis prodigy comes from a sporting family with his father being former footballer Shang Yi and his mother Wu Na is a former mixed doubles world champion in table tennis.
“I’m very lucky to have him on my side, his opinions mean a lot to me. We often talk about how to play the game,” he said of working with Dante.
“In the team, we all agreed that everything is mental, that everybody can play good tennis, and just having a positive mindset on the big moments can change the whole game.”
The maturity of a player so young is one that he links to his upbringing. Shang said he has been working on his mental composure since the age of 12 which has influenced his current view of the sport.
“Tennis is a very frustrating game, and sometimes you can lose your temper too. That’s something I’ve been working on in the last couple of months, try to stay calm and think positive things only. Because those negative things will just tear you up, and you’ll lose the match quick if you’re thinking about the bad things,” he said.
At this year’s Australian Open, there are three Chinese men in the main draw for the first time. Wu Yibing lost his first round match against Corentin Moutet in five sets on Monday. Meanwhile, Zhang Zhizhen played America’s Ben Shelton tomorrow.
“Those two other guys are like brothers to me. Hopefully, we can achieve it together and soon.” Shang commented.
Shang will play Frances Tiafoe in the second round.
