20-year-old Shang Juncheng claimed a breakout victory at the Shanghai Masters, defeating ninth-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov 7-6(3), 6-3 to reach the tournament’s third round for the first time. The win marks Shang’s first career victory over a Top 10 opponent, delivering a clear statement from the rising star on home soil in east China’s Shanghai Municipality.
The match began with both players exchanging early breaks, leveling at 2-2 in the opening set. A tense tiebreak saw Shang seize control by winning four consecutive points, converting his second set point to claim the opener. In the second set, Shang held serve comfortably before breaking Khachanov in the eighth game and closing out the win with a love game.
Shang reflected on his win, noting that he had to be faster and more aggressive to overcome a versatile opponent. He called it 'thrilling' to reach the third round for the first time and said his game plan 'worked well today.'
Next up for Shang is Portugal’s Nuno Borges, setting the stage for another intriguing showdown and a chance to further cement his breakthrough week in Shanghai.
Earlier, Luciano Darderi upset home wildcard Buyunchaokete 6-4, 6-4 to advance and will face eighth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti in an all-Italian clash. World No. 2 Jannik Sinner also cruised past Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3 and will meet 27th-seeded Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands in the third round.
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Shang Juncheng tops Khachanov to reach third round at Shanghai Masters
cgtn.com
