Shang Juncheng of China displays the men's singles trophy after winning the final at the Chengdu Open in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, September 24, 2024. /CFP
Shang Juncheng of China beat Lorenzo Musetti of Italy 7-6, 6-1 in the men's singles final at the Chengdu Open in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Tuesday, to win his first title on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour.
The 19-year-old Shang also became the second player from the Chinese mainland to lift a Tour-level men's singles trophy after Wu Yibing, who won the Dallas Open in February 2023.
With the first set knotted at 2-2, Shang earned two break points in the fifth game, but Musetti managed to hold serve. The set was level again at 5-5 before Shang finally converted a break, but the top-seeded Musetti immediately returned the favor in the following game, sending the opening set into a tiebreaker.
Shang built a quick lead of 5-2 in the extra frame and then ended it with two aces to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
Shang Juncheng of China hits a shot in the men's singles final against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy (not pictured) at the Chengdu Open in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, September 24, 2024. /CFP
His form continued to improve, converting two break points in the second set to lead 5-1 after six games. Musetti earned two break points, but failed to convert either opportunity due to Shang's aggressive serves.
Shang then proceeded to close out the victory and become the first teenaged men's singles Tour-level champion, and second overall, from the Chinese mainland.
"I did a great job tonight," Shang said after the match. "But please give Musetti your applause as well. He had a great week too. I'm speechless right now. It felt incredible to win the championship at home. Thank you everyone."
Shang will next compete at the China Open in Beijing.