China’s young tennis sensation, Shang Juncheng, faced a challenging match at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking his second consecutive defeat in the tournament. The 19-year-old prodigy, currently ranked World No. 50, went head-to-head with American Nishesh Basavareddy but ultimately fell short with scores of 3-4(4), 4-2, 4-2, 4-1.
Shang showcased his talents early on, capturing the first set in a nail-biting tie-break that kept fans on the edge of their seats. However, Basavareddy, the World No. 138, surged back with determination, taking control in the second set and not looking back. His victory not only handed Shang another loss but also marked Basavareddy’s first career win on the ATP Tour—a monumental achievement for the seventh seed.
This loss follows Shang’s initial 3-1 defeat to France’s Luca Van Assche in the Red Group’s opening round. Despite the setbacks, the young Chinese athlete remains hopeful as he gears up to face another American contender, Alex Michelsen, who has already secured his spot in the semi-finals with a flawless 2-0 record.
Basavareddy, now holding a 1-1 record in the group, aims to continue his momentum as he competes against Luca Van Assche on Friday. The stakes are high as the competitors battle for a coveted place in the tournament’s semi-finals, showcasing the fierce spirit and talent of the next generation of tennis stars.
Reference(s):
China's Shang suffers 2nd consecutive defeat at Next Gen ATP Finals
cgtn.com
