Shang Juncheng wins Chengdu Open 2024; becomes first 2005-born player born to win ATP tour title

Shang Juncheng only dropped a single set on his way to lifting the Chengdu Open 2024 trophy.

The Chengdu Open 2024 saw home crowd favourite, Shang Juncheng emerge as the winner. He has become the first player born in 2005 or after to win a title in ATP tour. Juncheng also became the first Chinese player to win an ATP tour title on home soil. The records came one after the other after he defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the final.

Making history 👏Shang becomes the first ATP player born in 2005 or after to win an ATP title!@ChengduOpen pic.twitter.com/aSO0RoAkoq

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 24, 2024

Juncheng had never reached the final of an event on the ATP tour until his arrival in Chengdu Open 2024. He had earlier played in US Open 2024 while losing the third round to Casper Ruud in five sets. But this time, the youngster made sure to extend his stay at home with strong support from the fans.

With his consistent performance over the past week, the 19-year-old has climbed up to 15 spots in the rankings. With a career-best ranking of world No #52, he is now China’s second ranked player after Zhang Zhizhen who is world No #41. Juncheng will next aim to enter the top 50 of the rankings.

Also Read: Marin Cilic wins Hangzhou Open 2024; becomes lowest ranked player to secure ATP tour title

Shang Juncheng’s performance in Chengdu Open 2024

Juncheng only dropped a single set on his way to winning the Chengdu Open 2024. He played five matches while spending over nine hours on the court. Juncheng hit 95 winners in the hardcourts of Chengdu over the span of five days. His aggressive stroke play helped him defeat three seeded players in the event.

Juncheng’s biggest upset came in the final when he defeated top seed Musetti in straight sets. Prior to the final, the Chinese player overcame second seed Alexander Bublilk in the quarterfinals and beat eighth seed Roman Safiullin in the fourth round. The Russian was the only player to win a set against Juncheng in Chengdu Open 2024.

The left hander was making his debut appearance in Chengdu Open and made sure to leave an impression on the fans. Juncheng will continue the Asian swing and will be next seen in his birthplace, Beijing for the China Open 2024. The teenager will face fellow countryman and wildcard entry Buyunchaokete in the opening round. Juncheng had lost in the opening round in China in 2023 but this time he will surely return after registering a couple of wins.

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