Shang Juncheng 🎾🔥, the defending champion and home favorite from the Chinese mainland, kicked off his Chengdu Open title defense with a 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 win over Belgium’s Zizou Bergs on Wednesday. This marks his first match victory since returning from a foot operation in March.
Out of action from January to late July, Shang dug in deep to overcome his foot injury—think of it like rebooting your favorite app after a crash, then blasting back better than ever! 💪
According to Infosys ATP Stats, Shang saved six of seven break points—those tense moments when his opponent could have stolen his serve. That clutch performance highlights the 20-year-old’s mental toughness in his very first Tour showdown with Bergs.
In the decisive third set, Shang turned up the heat. Facing a 40-0 deficit on his serve, he fought back to hold serve and extend his lead to 5-3, then wrapped up the win by holding to love. Talk about finishing strong—just like closing out that last level in your favorite mobile game! 😎
Up next for Shang is World No. 33 Brandon Nakashima, the American fourth seed who received a bye into the round of 16. Can Shang ride this momentum and defend his title? Stay tuned! 👀
Reference(s):
Shang starts Chengdu Open title defense with first win since surgery
cgtn.com
