Journey to Jeddah: The Shang dives into the spotlight | ATP Tour

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Journey to Jeddah: The Shang sinks into the light

The Chinese star will compete in the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF

November 25, 2024

Shang Juncheng is a young man – “a combination of menace and power” according to commentator Robbie Koenig – who overwhelms opponents with endless energy. With an infectious smile and a teddy bear always attached to his tennis bag, the 19-year-old is enjoying his journey as one of #NextGenATP's fastest-rising sports stars.

The word 'history' is often associated with the Chinese teenager, who this year became the first player from an Asian country to win an ATP Tour title on home soil. Buoyed by his victory in Chengdu, Shang is aiming to become the first Chinese player to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals 20 and under presented by PIF, which has featured champions such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“I had an amazing year and the Next Gen ATP Finals is very important for my future,” said Shang in our new 'Journey To Jeddah' series. “In that event, all the highlights of tennis are on you because you know there are only eight players.”

Appropriately, Shang's rise has been rapid – a term his coach Martin Alund used to describe the outstanding left-hander. “At first, I was like, 'Oh, I can't believe how fast you are!'” Alund recalled in the long-form video, which also includes an interview with 'Jerry's' father Shang Yi.

Although fans are familiar with Shang, the 19-year-old's season has, in his view, been more about achieving goals than spectacular success. He remembers telling a friend earlier this year that he was going to claim his first tour title before the home tournament in Beijing. Shang achieved what he did not have time for. He defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the ATP 250 final two days before he will compete in Beijing.

“I was really tired after the final, but they had tiramisu – it was the first thing I went for,” Shang said with a big smile. “I was so happy that I didn't sleep for two days.”

In October, Shang broke the Top 50 of the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time. He stepped up to the big stages this year, reaching the third round at the Australian Open and the US Open.

Shang's 2024 results are a testament to his hard work. Argentina's Alund, who has been traveling with the youth since March 2022, not only sees good qualities in Shang on the court, but also away from tennis.

“Seeing a kid as talented as him, as young as him, always ready to go to the gym, always ready to go to the practice fields,” said Alund. “He never misses. Never.

“He's a good kid. Whatever you see outside, is also inside.”

Shang is fourth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah and has qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, which runs from 18-22 December.

“Being at the Next Gen ATP Finals [would] it means everything to me,” said Shang. “Some of the best players have played in this event, they came out at a young age. It's definitely something special.”