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Journey To Jeddah: Shang soaking in highlight
Chinese language star set to compete at Subsequent Gen ATP Finals introduced by PIF
November 25, 2024
ATP Tour
Be taught extra about #NextGenATP lefty Shang Juncheng.
By Grant Thompson
Shang Juncheng is a teenage sensation — a “compound of menace and vitality” in response to analyst Robbie Koenig — who overwhelms opponents with relentless power. With a contagious smile and a teddy bear all the time connected to his tennis bag, the 19-year-old is having fun with his journey as one of many sport’s quickest rising #NextGenATP stars.
The phrase ‘historic’ is usually related to the Chinese language teen, who this yr grew to become the primary participant from the Asian nation to win an ATP Tour title on dwelling soil. Led by his triumph in Chengdu, Shang has his sights set on being the primary Chinese language participant to qualify for the 20-and-under Subsequent Gen ATP Finals introduced by PIF, which has featured champions corresponding to Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“I’ve had a tremendous yr and the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals is essential for my future,” Shang stated in our new ‘Journey To Jeddah’ sequence. “In that occasion, all of the tennis highlight is on you as a result of you already know there are solely eight gamers.”
Fittingly, Shang’s ascent has been quick — the very phrase his coach Martin Alund used to explain what initially stood out in regards to the lefty. “In the beginning, I used to be like, ‘Oh, I can not consider how briskly you might be!’” Alund recalled within the longform video, which additionally options an interview with ‘Jerry’s’ father Shang Yi.
Whereas followers have change into extra conversant in Shang, the 19-year-old’s season, from his perspective, has been extra about engaging in targets than a shocking breakthrough. He remembers telling a buddy earlier this yr that he would seize his maiden tour-level title earlier than his dwelling event in Beijing. Shang achieved that with no time to spare. He defeated Lorenzo Musetti within the ATP 250 remaining simply two days earlier than he was competing in Beijing.
“I used to be actually drained after the ultimate, however that they had tiramisu — that was the very first thing I went for,” Shang stated whereas cracking an enormous smile. “I used to be so blissful that for 2 days I couldn’t sleep.”
In October, Shang cracked the High 50 of the PIF ATP Rankings for the primary time. He has soared on huge levels this yr, reaching the third spherical on the Australian Open and US Open.
Shang’s 2024 outcomes are a testomony to his arduous work. The Argentine Alund, who has been travelling with {the teenager} since March 2022, not solely sees constructive qualities in Shang on court docket, but additionally away from tennis.
“To see a child as proficient as him, as younger as him, all the time able to go to the health club, all the time able to go to the follow courts,” Alund stated. “He’s by no means lacking a session. By no means.
“He’s such an ideal child. No matter you see from the skin, is inside as nicely.”
Shang is fourth within the PIF ATP Dwell Race To Jeddah and has certified for the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals introduced by PIF, which runs from 18-22 December.
“Being on the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals [would] imply the whole lot to me,” Shang stated. “Among the greatest gamers have performed that occasion, developing after they have been younger. It’s one thing particular for positive.”
