Shang Juncheng of China celebrates scoring during the Australian Open qualifying match against Zsombor Piros of Hungary on January 12, 2023. (Photo courtesy of ATP)
17-year-old Shang Juncheng advanced to Australian Open main draw to join Chinese compatriots Zhang Zhizhen and Wu Yibing in the men's singles.
MELBOURNE, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese teenage tennis player Shang Juncheng made it to the main draw of the Australian Open after winning his final qualifying round match here on Thursday.
In his Grand Slam debut in the senior category, 17-year-old Shang, currently ranked 194th, got past the 171st-ranked Zsombor Piros of Hungary 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 17 minutes.
"I think today was my best match of all three [qualifying matches]. There was a little bit of a twist at the end because I was nervous about getting through the qualifying round," Shang said after the match. "But overall today was my best day so far offensively, defensively and mentally during the match."
Former junior world number one Shang will join his compatriots Zhang Zhizhen and Wu Yibing in the Australian Open main draw, as three Chinese male players will compete in the main draw of any Grand Slam event for the first time in history.
Shang admitted that he is not very familiar with his next opponent, Oscar Otte of Germany, adding that "I have to talk to my coach and my team about this, because I still have two or three days to go."
"In terms of the match, I think ideas are more important than tactics. If I have a clear mind, I think I can use my tactics more properly on the field," he added.
Shang was humble when asked about his goal at the Australian Open. "This is just my second year in the senior category. I'm here mainly to learn from the professionals. So I didn't set any goal for myself."
Seven Chinese female players are expected to participate in the Australian Open this year, namely Zhang Shuai, Zheng Qinwen, Wang Xiyu, Zhu Lin, Yuan Yue, Wang Xinyu and Zheng Saisai.
The 2023 Australian Open main draw will take place from January 16 to 29.
