Daijiworld Medi Network – Melbourne
Melbourne, Jan 12: On the eve of his Australian Open 2025 debut, 19-year-old Chinese tennis sensation Shang Juncheng exuded optimism and calmness, emphasizing the importance of playing ‘happily’ as he faced reporters under Melbourne’s summer sun.
Shang’s first-round opponent on Sunday is Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who defeated the Chinese teenager twice last year, including a controversial match at the Madrid Open where a critical point was won off a double bounce.
Addressing the incident, Shang said, “You probably know what happened in Madrid that I felt was unfair, but I think this time I have some contingency plans if anything happens. It’s more important to focus on yourself, play your tennis well, and finish the match happily on the court.”
Praising his opponent, Shang described Davidovich Fokina as a formidable player with a strong serve, swift movement, and aggressive playstyle. “The way we play is probably quite similar,” he remarked.
Reflecting on 2024, Shang called it a ‘very perfect season,’ as he climbed from 183rd to the top 50 in ATP rankings, secured his first ATP title at the Chengdu Open, and avoided major injuries. For 2025, Shang has set a ‘small and achievable’ goal for himself, though he chose not to disclose it.
“I think in every match, no matter how you play, as long as you give 100 percent effort, whether you lose 6-0 or in a tiebreak, you have to finish happily,” Shang explained. “When it’s over, don’t dwell too much on one match or burden yourself with unnecessary pressure.”
Shang is one of six players under 20 in the 2025 Australian Open men’s singles draw. Despite his young age, Shang’s early transition from junior tennis at 16 has solidified his presence in the professional circuit.
As a rising star and a symbol of tennis development in China, Shang offered advice to aspiring players. “You need to maintain a positive mindset. Many players have good skills, but without the right mentality, you can’t realize your full potential. The most important thing is to play happily.”
Shang’s debut at the Australian Open is not just a test of skill but also a testament to his philosophy of resilience and joy in the game.