As lanterns illuminate the night sky during the Mid-Autumn Festival, China's 19-year-old tennis sensation Shang Juncheng took a moment to celebrate with a serene river cruise on the Jin River. Accompanied by his parents and grandparents, Shang embraced the festive spirit ahead of his much-anticipated appearance at the Chengdu Open.
Born in 2005, Shang is the only child of former Xerez CD footballer Shang Yi and table tennis world champion Wu Na. His unique athletic lineage has paved the way for his impressive ascent in the professional tennis ranks. This journey has seen him steadily climb the charts, marking significant milestones along the way.
At the upcoming ATP 250 Chengdu Open, Shang will make his mark by facing off against Japan's wild-card entrant, Kei Nishikori. Nishikori, a former World No. 4 and the 2014 US Open runner-up, presents a formidable challenge for the young star.
Shang's recent achievements have set him apart on the international stage. He became the first man from the Chinese mainland to reach the third round of the Australian Open earlier this year. Additionally, he joins the ranks of Zhang Zhizhen and Wu Yibing as one of the first three men from the Chinese mainland to break into the Top 100 rankings.
As Shang prepares to compete in Chengdu, his journey symbolizes the growing presence of Chinese athletes in global tennis, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike.
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Shang enjoys Mid-Autumn Festival river cruise ahead of Chengdu Open
cgtn.com
