Hong Kong Tennis Open: China’s Shang Juncheng wins another thriller to book quarter-final spot
- Shang ‘super-excited’ after second successive victory over a top-50 player as he knocks out Botic van de Zandschulp
- The 18-year-old saves match point at Victoria Park before recovering to clinch place in last eight against US’ Frances Tiafoe
Lightning struck twice at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open on Wednesday, after Chinese sensation Shang Juncheng came from behind to win a final-set tiebreak and beat Botic van de Zandschulp in a 3½-hour thriller.
Ranked 183 in the world, Shang recovered from a set down for a second time this week, saving a match point at 6-5 down in the second set of the second-round encounter.
And 18-year-old Shang needed only one of the four match points he created for himself in the decisive tiebreak, Van de Zandschulp dumping a backhand into the net to hand Shang a 6-7, 7-6, 7-6 victory on a jubilant Centre Court.
Having fought back from one set down and saved two match points to see off world No 33 Laslo Djere 10-8 in a final set tiebreak in round one, Shang was up against it again on Wednesday – a position he is beginning to relish.
“You see the great players have their moments saving match points,” Shang said. “It is of huge value to never give up, and this is how I want to play tennis.
“I was not always this calm in the important moments. I did a good job in preseason, working with my coach and my parents [former China footballer Shang Yi and World Table Tennis Championship gold medallist Wu Na]. We found a balance and I would like it to continue.”
After failing to convert two set points on his opponent’s serve at 5-4 up in the opener, Shang lost the tiebreak 7-5.
The teenager was two points from defeat at 5-4 down and deuce in the second, then on the brink again in game 12. He saved a match point at 6-5 down, when the Dutchman, who visibly tightened at clutch moments, slapped a backhand return long on Shang’s second serve.
The underdog capitalised on his let-off to win the game and storm through the tiebreak to take it 7-2.
Shang, whose gold chains and glistening stud in his left ear betray an easy confidence, failed to serve out the match from 5-3 in the decider, with dogged world No 50 Van de Zandschulp winning four straight points from 30-15 down.
But Shang grabbed the initiative in the final tiebreak, claiming the first mini-break when 3-2 up before reeling off the next three points.
“I am physically very tired, but mentally super-excited for what is next,” the Florida-based Shang said.
He has spent six hours and 23 minutes on court across his opening two matches, but received vocal support from the stands, including plenty in Mandarin.
“I’m feeling great after these two marathons,” he said. “These are things I could not do before, consistent matches over three hours, and long sets.
“It’s my first quarter-final on tour and I am enjoying the moment. I always enjoy being back in China. This is home for me, playing here with these amazing fans.”
Shang will meet Frances Tiafoe in a mouthwatering quarter-final tie on Friday. Tiafoe’s 2-0 career record against Shang includes an Australian Open second-round win 12 months ago.
“I have a day off on Thursday, so that is a pretty good recovery plan,” Shang said.
“Frances is consistent top-20 player, and has beaten me twice, but I am looking forward to playing him. I will give 100 per cent and enjoy the match.”
