In a thrilling final at the Chengdu Open, Shang Juncheng of the Chinese mainland emerged victorious, securing his first title on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour. The 19-year-old triumphed over Italy's Lorenzo Musetti with a score of 7-6, 6-1, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
The match was intensely competitive, especially in the first set. With the score tied at 2-2, Shang had two break points in the fifth game but Musetti managed to hold his serve. The set remained even again at 5-5 until Shang broke Musetti's serve, only for the Italian to respond immediately, pushing the first set to a tiebreaker. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Shang took a quick lead in the tiebreak and sealed the first set with two aces.
Shang's victory makes him the second player from the Chinese mainland to win a Tour-level men's singles title, following Wu Yibing's win at the Dallas Open in February 2023. This achievement not only highlights Shang's talent and determination but also underscores the growing prominence of Chinese players in the global tennis arena.
The Chengdu Open continues to be a platform for emerging talents, and Shang Juncheng's triumphant performance is a testament to the sport's expanding reach and the rising stars it fosters.
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China's Shang Juncheng wins first title on ATP Tour at Chengdu Open
cgtn.com
