Chengdu Open 2024: Shang Juncheng Becomes Youngest ATP Title Winner Of The season

Shang Juncheng triumphed over Italy’s Olympic bronze medallist Lorenzo Musetti 7-6(4) 6-1 in the Chengdu Open 2024 final. With this win, he became the second-ever Chinese player to win an ATP title.

This win also marked Shang’s maiden ATP Tour title and he became the  youngest ATP winner of the season. The 19-year-old is currently ranked 55 in the world.

Chengdu Open 2024 Becomes Special For Shang Juncheng

Shang put up a brilliant show after he recovered from the disappointment of being broken when serving for the first set at 6-5. He remained composed in the subsequent tie-break and converted three of five break points he earned, which led to his ultimate victory.  

“I think the first set was great,” said Shang. “Amazing tennis from both of us. I was kind of struggling physically, to be honest. Really long rallies, and he played some good points. I was serving for the set and got a little bit tight, and he took the chance.

“In the tie-break, I think I just kept my cool and was really calm, listening to my coach. Trying to fix the serve, fix the forehand a little bit. I’m glad it worked out and the second set was a little bit smoother.”

“This night is amazing. Thank you all for your support. See you next year!”

On his way to clinching the Chengdu Open 2024 title, Shang Juncheng  defeated former world number four Kei Nishikori, last year’s runner-up Aslan Karatsev, and second seed Andrey Rublev before facing top-seeded Musetti in the final.

Shang’s victory solidified his bid to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals. The competition, held in Saudi Arabia in November-December, presents the world’s top 20-and-under singles players on the ATP Tour.

Also Read: Hangzhou Open 2024: Marin Cilic Becomes Lowest Ranked Player To Win ATP Tour Title

Shang Juncheng, a rising tennis star, was the US Open Juniors runner-up in 2021 and made his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open in 2023.

In 2019, Shang became the first player born in 2005 to win a tournament on the ITF Junior Circuit. He won his maiden title in Lexington, United States becoming the youngest Chinese player to lift a trophy in the Challenger Tour history and the youngest to do so since Carlos Alcaraz in 2020 Alicante.