MELBOURNE, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's Shang Juncheng slumped to a straight-sets defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp in the Australian Open second round on Thursday.
After a competitive first set, the 75th-ranked Van de Zandschulp dominated to clinch a 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-3 victory in two hours and 14 minutes.
The 20-year-old Shang was unable to produce his trademark fireworks and he had 36 unforced errors while the heavy-hitting Van de Zandschulp fired down 15 aces.
It was a disappointment for Shang, who had produced a stirring four-set victory over former top-10 player Roberto Bautista-Agut in the first round.
Shang, a former No. 47, had third round finishes at the Australian Open and US Open in 2024 but struggled to regain his best form last year as he battled a foot injury.
The Dutchman, a former world No. 22, will next face 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. ■
