Shang Juncheng, at seventeen, made Australian Open history by being the first Chinese man to win a match at Melbourne Park during the Open Era.
The qualifier defeated world No. 74 Oscar Otte 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 in an easy victory for the teenager. Shang saved two break points in the first set and went on to win the match in four sets.
“I’d say in some way, I’m a little surprised that it came this fast,” Shang said after the match.
“But at the same time, I think it’s all the hard work from my team and myself that paid off. I’m just nothing else but excited about what’s coming next.”
Shang kept his cool after dropping two match points in the fourth set but returned to win the game with his fourth break of the match.
The tournament’s youngest player
Shang entered the event as the tournament’s youngest player, having only lost one set in three qualifications. He is the first 17-year-old to win a men’s singles match in a grand slam since current world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in 2021.
“After hearing this, I think it’s quite a big accomplishment,” Shang said. “He’s the best player in the world right now. Just watching him play on the court really inspires me, and inspires the young players. So to do this, it’s very special for me.
Shang, whose father was a professional footballer and whose mother was a world-champion table tennis player, competed in the main draw alongside Zhang Zhizhen and Wu Yibing. Three Chinese men have competed in a grand slam for the first time in the Open Era.
“Those two guys, they are definitely my inspiration,” Shang said to Zhang and Wu.
“They’ve been on tour longer than me and are way more experienced than me. I hope I can get to watch them in the main draw.”
Shang rose 50 places in the global rankings after his triumph
Shang rose 50 places in the global rankings after his triumph, reaching a career-high of No. 144.
In the second round, he will face American Francis Tiafoe, who defeated German Daniel Altmaier in four sets. Shang will face 16th-seeded Tiafoe, but the 17-year-old will be confident after defeating four guys ranked higher than him in qualification and the first round.