17-year-old Chinese Juncheng Shang scripts history after his first-round win in Australian Open 2023
The teenager becomes the first male Chinese player to win an Australian Open main-draw single match in the Open Era
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Shang Juncheng (Image via: Imago)
The much-awaited Australian Open 2023 has started with a bang. The ‘Grand Slam of the Southern Hemisphere’ is ready to set the pace of the year. As expected, right from day 1 tennis fans are in for a treat.
With the start of the tournament, all the focus has shifted to Melbourne for the next fortnight. The first Grand Slam of the season boasts its own charm which other majors of the calendar lack as it gives everyone a chance to start the year fresh and create history under the blue skies.
Talking about history, Shang Juncheng from China became a part of it when he defeated German player Oscar Otte in the First Round. With this Juncheng became the first male Chinese player to win an Australian Open main-draw single match in the Open Era.
The official Twitter handle of the tournament led the way to congratulate the Chinese youngster. “Juncheng Shang Take a bow!” the caption read.
Related: BREAKING: Aussie No. 1 Nick Kyrgios withdraws from the 2023 Australian Open
Who is Juncheng Shang making history on Day 1 of the Australian Open?
The 17-year-old Chinese player turned professional in 2021. Juncheng Shang had a successful run in his junior career. In July 2021 he reached the No. 1 ITF junior ranking in July 2021. Shang was the first player born in 2005 to win a tournament on the ITF Junior Circuit.
In the senior circuit, Shang made his debut after he received a wildcard to play in the main draw of the ATP Tour 500 event at the 2022 Rio Open. Though he could not go beyond the first round.
After qualifying for the main draw, Shang became the first Chinese man to play at Indian Wells later that year. The first-round win in the ongoing Australian Open is his biggest one yet. Before the main draw, he had to sail through the qualifier where he defeated Fernando Verdasco winning applause from the tennis circle.
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