Melbourne, Jan 11 (NationPress) On the verge of his debut match at the Australian Open 2025, the 19-year-old Chinese athlete Shang Juncheng frequently used the term happily while addressing reporters' inquiries in Melbourne's sweltering summer heat. Shang is set to compete against Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who has bested the Chinese prodigy on two occasions last year. However, during their encounter at the Madrid Open in April, the Spaniard controversially secured a crucial point when the ball bounced twice before he returned it.
"You probably know what occurred in Madrid that I felt was unjust, but I believe this time I have some contingency plans if anything arises," Shang stated. "It's more vital to concentrate on yourself, perform your tennis well, and ultimately conclude the match happily on the court," he added.
When discussing his opponent for Sunday's opening match, Shang described Davidovich Fokina as a formidable player with potent attacks, an effective serve, and quick agility. "Our playing styles may be quite similar," he noted.
Reflecting on the previous year, Shang remarked, "It was a truly excellent season overall," during which he managed to compete consistently without any significant injuries, as reported by Xinhua.
In 2024, Shang made remarkable progress in the ATP rankings, ascending from 183rd to the top 50. In September, he clinched victory at the Chengdu Open, earning his first ATP title. Looking ahead to 2025, Shang expressed with a smile that he has set a modest goal for himself, which he considers very beneficial and achievable.
"I believe that in every match, regardless of how it unfolds, as long as you exert 100 percent effort, whether you lose 6-0 or in a third or fifth set tiebreak, you must conclude the match happily and then assess what issues you encountered," he explained. "Once it's over, try not to overthink it and avoid placing all your pressure on this single match," Shang advised.
Among the 128 men's singles competitors in the 2025 Australian Open, six are under the age of 20, and Shang is one of them. However, having concluded his junior tennis career at 16, Shang is no stranger to the realm of professional men’s tennis.
As a symbol for the advancement of tennis in China and globally, Shang shared his insights with young tennis players striving to progress, much like he did a few years prior.
"You may need to maintain an optimistic mindset. All players possess good skills, but if you can’t maintain a positive attitude, you won’t be able to reach your full potential," Shang remarked. "Therefore, I believe the most crucial aspect is to play happily.
