China’s rising tennis star Shang Juncheng has advanced to the quarterfinals of the ATP Hong Kong Open after a commanding victory over Spain’s No.7 seed Pedro Martinez on Thursday.
The 19-year-old Shang, currently ranked 50th in the world, defeated Martinez (world No.43) in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, showcasing a dominant performance on the hard court.
Despite losing to Martinez in their previous two encounters on clay, Shang turned the tables in their first meeting on a hard surface. He held his first four service games and broke Martinez in the eighth game of the opening set, eventually sealing it with a love game.
Riding the momentum, Shang stormed into the second set, converting two consecutive break points to establish a 4-0 lead. He closed out the match with his fourth break, marking his fifth ATP Tour quarterfinal appearance.
\”After 3-3, there was a big change in speed from my side,\” Shang said after the match. \”I was playing with more confidence and swinging much harder. The winners were coming, and my serves were fast. I started tight but finished strong. I could start more confidently—hit my forehands and step in more. But overall, it was a nine out of 10.\”
Shang will face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the quarterfinals. Marozsan pulled off an upset by defeating the tournament’s top seed and defending champion Andrey Rublev of Russia 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 in a nearly two-hour battle.
\”This was a big win for me,\” Marozsan said. \”Andrey is a great player. It’s not easy with the crowd against you. Andrey won this tournament last year; everyone loves him. It’s a little bit like the Davis Cup, with everyone pushing your opponent. But I have to focus on myself and play my best.\”
As Shang continues his impressive run, fans are eager to see if he can advance further in the tournament and make a significant impact on the ATP Tour.
Reference(s):
China's Shang Juncheng advances to quarterfinals at ATP Hong Kong Open
cgtn.com
