#NextGenATP Shang off to flying start in Shanghai

#NextGenATP Shang Juncheng continued his inspired form on home turf as he surged into the second round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

The 19-year-old’s prowess from the back of the court was on full display as he battled through fellow #NextGenATP player Coleman Wong, claiming a 6-4, 6-4 victory. Shang fell behind an early break in the second set but soon clicked into gear, rattling off four games on the spin to cross the line in one hour and 36 minutes.

Sealed with a kiss ?

Juncheng Shang defeats Coleman Wong 6-4 6-4 to reach the second round in Shanghai for the first time.@SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters | #NextGenATP pic.twitter.com/IdISvOa4Ek

Shang showed glimpses of the reliable tennis that propelled him to his maiden ATP Tour title at the Chengdu Open two weeks ago, establishing himself as the second Chinese man to lift a tour-level trophy.

The No. 52 in the PIF ATP Rankings has set a popcorn second-round contest against World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, who is fresh off claiming his fourth tour-level title of the year at the China Open in Beijing.

“These three weeks have been unreal for me, I have been so positive on the court, trying to be happy, enjoying the crowd,” Shang said of his stellar run of form. “Against Carlos [Alcaraz], it’s never easy, he’s one of the best players in the world. Hopefully I can bring out some good energy.”

Shang wasn’t the only home hope to light up the courts on day one in Shanghai, with Wu Yibing claiming his first tour-level win of the 2024 season.

The 24-year-old, who preceded Shang as the first Chinese man to lift an ATP Tour trophy at the Dallas Open last year, comprehensively defeated Sumit Nagal 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the second round.

Denis Shapovalov secured the 200th tour-level win of his career with a thrilling triumph over Lorenzo Sonego. The Canadian held his nerve to clinch a 7-6(5), 7-6(8) victory over the Italian, edging 2-1 ahead in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

Put it in the book ?@denis_shapo defeats Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(5) 7-6(8) to record his 200th tour-level victory.@SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/ChKaDmF6Wd

Shapovalov faces Ben Shelton in an intriguing second-round clash where he will bid to notch his first win over the American, having been defeated twice already this year.

Elsewhere, Fabio Fognini survived a second-set fightback to overcome compatriot Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 for his first win in Shanghai since 2019, where he made the quarter-finals. It is the Italian’s eleventh appearance at the event, and he will face Tommy Paul for a spot in the third round.

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