In an electrifying start to the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, China's Shang Juncheng, ranked World No. 50, faced a tough challenge against France's Luca Van Assche. Despite a strong performance, Shang fell 4-3(3), 2-4, 4-1, 4-3(5) in a gripping four-set opener in the Red Group.
Shang showed early promise, unleashing several forehand winners and securing the first tie-breaker with a 7-3 score. The young Chinese star, who lifted his maiden tour-level title in Chengdu last October, battled back valiantly, winning the second set 4-2 with a decisive forehand volley.
However, Van Assche, a 20-year-old Frenchman highlighted by his third-round run at the Australian Open this year, dominated the third set 4-1. The fourth set reignited the tension, going into another tie-breaker where Van Assche emerged victorious with a 7-5 score after Shang's forehand went wide.
Looking ahead, Van Assche will face Alex Michelsen from the USA, while Shang is set to take on another American, Nishesh Basavareddy, later on Thursday. Fans eagerly await these matchups, hoping to see more thrilling performances from these rising stars.
Reference(s):
China's Shang loses to France's Van Assche at Next Gen ATP Finals
cgtn.com
