Shang Juncheng bowed to Jeddah without changing: “I am still the happy child” | ATP Tour

Next Generation ATP Finals

Shang remains unchanged before bowing in Jeddah: “I'm still the same happy kid”

Chinese star is the first domestic player to participate in youth exhibition competitions

December 17, 2024

Shang Juncheng's success has promoted the vigorous development of Chinese tennis. The 19-year-old was the first player from his country to compete in the Next Generation ATP Finals hosted by PIF and is now keen to be part of the growth of the sport in Saudi Arabia.

“They've had a lot of great players in this tournament in the past, and they've had a lot of great champions,” he said. “So I think it's really special to be here, especially coming to Jeddah. Maybe a few years ago there wasn't a lot of tennis, but now we have the WTA Finals and the Next Gen Finals here, so I'm really happy Looking forward to it.

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Shang enters Jeddah as a member of the top 50 of the PIF ATP Rankings, having reached a career-high ranking of 47th in October after winning his first tour-level title in Chengdu. He lost just one set at that ATP 250 event and defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the final. Despite his rapid rise in the rankings and over $1 million in prize money this season, it's still the same guy as the game evolves.

“I guess I'm still the same happy kid,” he said. “I try to have fun on the court and try to learn every day what I can do better and what I need to improve on. I think a little challenge every day can make me a better player.”

Shang has compiled a 5-3 record in majors this season (he was eliminated in French Open qualifying) and has reached the second round of the main draw in all four ATP Masters 1000 events he has played. In addition to the Chengdu title, he also counts his performance at the majors as a season highlight and is particularly proud of finishing the year without injury or illness.

Ironically, he suffered from an eye infection early in the offseason, but he still enjoyed some downtime on vacation in Dubai, including shopping and beach time. In recent months, Shang also went on a gluten-free diet as part of an overall effort to live a more professional lifestyle.

Shang's parents were also important influences. His father Yi Jianlian is a professional football player; his mother Na is a world table tennis champion.

“I think the mentality is the same, you go out there and you try 100 percent,” he said of the lessons learned from their athletic careers. “That's what they always tell me: you have to be a competitor, but at the same time you have to know your values ​​- and maybe sometimes winning isn't the most important thing. It's more about enjoying the game and enjoying people watching you play. , I think that’s what it was in the end. [the people] Who is by your side is what matters most.

While Shang and his fellow Jeddahites continue to learn about the life of a professional tennis player, their experience at the Next Generation ATP Finals provides them with a rare opportunity to compete individually among their peers.

“There are eight of us here, and we all know each other inside and out. We grew up together and are all about the same age,” he said. “It's really special because on tour you're playing against older guys, not guys your own age. So coming here, I think it's a pressure to play against kids my age. .