CHENGDU, September 19, 2024 (Press Release)
China’s rising star Shang Juncheng made a strong statement in his 2024 Chengdu Open debut, overcoming Japan’s former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 43 minutes to secure his spot in the second round. The 19-year-old world No. 67 displayed remarkable composure, saving eight of nine break points and converting three of his own to delight an enthusiastic home crowd.
No place like home 🙌
Shang defeats Nishikori 6-4 6-4 for his 20th win of the season!@ChengduOpen pic.twitter.com/M8Vdiz1VKz
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 19, 2024
“First of all, it feels very hot here in Chengdu, but the fans brought amazing energy,” Shang said. “I feel confident on the court, moving well and feeling good physically. The conditions suit me with the fast court and slight altitude. Obviously, Kei isn’t someone you beat easily. It was a tough match, so I’m really happy to be through to the second round.”
In a clash of former finalists, an under-the-weather Roman Safiullin held off a strong challenge from Italy’s Fabio Fognini to claim a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory in two hours and eight minutes.
“I feel great that I won under these tough conditions, especially as I haven’t been feeling my best health wise. I’m happy to get past Fabio,” said the 27-year-old, whose sole ATP final appearance came in Chengdu last year.
Earlier in the day, 19-year-old wild card Zhou Yi became the first-ever Chinese player to reach the second round of the Chengdu Open after Chinese Taipei’s Tseng Chun-Hsin retired in the third set. Zhou was leading 2-6, 6-1, 3-1 after one hour and 26 minutes when Tseng called it quits.
“I’m just really excited, it’s my first time winning here in Chengdu. I prepared well for the match, and it was a good level of tennis from me today. I’m so happy I got it done,” said Zhou.
The victory marks the first ATP Tour win for the world No. 531, who also set a record for being the lowest ranked player to win here at Chengdu Open. “Well, I’m trying not to stay the lowest ranked player!” joked the former world No.3 junior. “But it always feels great to win, especially when I’m trying to keep going up and face one stronger opponent after another.”
Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic also advanced after a thrilling three-set win over Borna Coric. Vukic saved two match points during a dramatic second-set tiebreaker before completing a 3-6, 7-6(9), 6-4 comeback victory in two hours and 36 minutes.
In doubles, local Chinese duo Cui Jie and Sun Fajing put up a valiant effort against the higher-ranked American pairing of Evan King and Reese Stalder, saving five of the seven break points they faced, but ultimately fell 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 17 minutes on Centre Court.
Friday’s action on Centre Court will feature two of the tournament’s top four seeds. Chile’s Nicolas Jarry, the third seed, will face Slovakia’s Lukas Klein in a first-time encounter. Jarry, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 16 in May 2024, is coming off a breakthrough year that saw him become the first Chilean to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final since 2007.
Fourth seed Pedro Martinez will also begin his Chengdu Open campaign, taking on Australia’s Vukic in their second career meeting. Martinez defeated Vukic in their previous clash at the 2020 French Open and arrives in Chengdu ranked just two spots below his career-best of No. 40 after reaching his third ATP final in Estoril earlier in the year.
Seventh-seeded French rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will also be in action, taking on Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in their first-ever ATP Tour meeting. Hanfmann earned his spot in the second round with a 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki earlier on Thursday.
