Shang Juncheng of the Chinese mainland delivered a stunning performance at the U.S. Open on Monday, outlasting 27th seed Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in a riveting five-set battle, with final scores of 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.
Shang's victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks his first win in the season's final Grand Slam and serves as redemption after his earlier loss to Bublik at Indian Wells in March.
Despite winning only 72 percent of his first serve points compared to Bublik's 83 percent, Shang capitalized on Bublik's 10 double faults. The 27-year-old Kazakh player led in aces (22) and winners (54). However, Shang's exceptional return game and clutch performance on six break points allowed him to overcome a 2-1 deficit and secure the match.
In the fourth and fifth sets, Shang converted four of six break points, including two consecutive breaks that pushed the fourth set to a 5-0 lead and another two in a row to take a 4-3 advantage.
Looking ahead, Shang is set to face Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in the second round. Baena himself advanced in a grueling match, defeating Jan Choinski of Great Britain 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6(5)-7, 6-3 after over four and a half hours of play.
Additionally, Shang's compatriot Bu Yunchaokete faced defeat against eighth-seeded Casper Rudd of Norway, with scores of 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2.
Reference(s):
Shang Juncheng upsets Alexander Bublik in five-set battle at U.S. Open
cgtn.com