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Hong Kong tennis preview, pick, and prediction: Shang vs. Nishikori
Kei Nishikori runs for a forehand against Jared Donaldson at the Brisbane International/Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Bradley Kanaris

An all-unseeded semifinal lineup at the Bank of China Open will conclude with Jerry Shang facing Kei Nishikori on Saturday afternoon.

This will be the third meeting already between the 19-year-old Shang and the 35-year-old Nishikori after splitting their first two encounters. Nishikori prevailed 6-4, 7-6(3) at the 2023 Atlanta tournament before Shang got the job done 6-4, 6-4 this past fall in Chengdu.

Whereas Nishikori is presumably in the latter stages of his career, Shang is firmly on the rise. The Chinese left-hander has climbed to No. 50 in the world, having already earned 32 main-tour match victories as a teenager. So far in Hong Kong he has ousted Coleman Wong, Pedro Martinez, and Fabian Marozsan to book a semifinal spot for the second consecutive year.

Armed with a rare clean bill of health, Nishikori is just barely outside the top 100 (106th) and is projected to surge well inside it (likely No. 83 even if he loses on Saturday). The Japanese veteran has kicked off his 2025 campaign with victories over Denis Shapovalov, Karen Khachanov, and Cameron Norrie–dropping sets to both Khachanov and Norrie along the way.

Neither one of these guys is a bastion of physical excellence at the two extreme ends of their respective careers, but Shang is the more reliable of the two from that standpoint. Asking Nishikori to deliver a fourth consecutive stellar performance may be too much.

Pick: Shang in 3

In the upcoming Hong Kong tennis tournament, fans are gearing up for an exciting match between rising star Shang and seasoned veteran Nishikori. Both players have been in top form recently, making this matchup a must-watch for tennis enthusiasts.

Shang, a young talent from China, has been making waves on the professional circuit with his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. He has shown great promise in recent tournaments and is eager to prove himself against a player of Nishikori’s caliber.

On the other hand, Nishikori, a former top 5 player in the world, is known for his precise strokes and exceptional court coverage. Despite facing some injury setbacks in the past, Nishikori has bounced back and is looking to make a strong comeback in the Hong Kong tournament.

In terms of a prediction, this match is sure to be a close one as both players have the skills and determination to come out on top. However, I believe Nishikori’s experience and consistency will give him the edge in this matchup. I predict Nishikori will win in a hard-fought three-set battle.

Be sure to tune in to the Hong Kong tennis tournament to see how this exciting match unfolds!

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1. Hong Kong tennis preview
2. Shang vs Nishikori
3. Tennis match prediction
4. Hong Kong tournament analysis
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6. Shang vs Nishikori match preview
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#Hong #Kong #tennis #preview #pick #prediction #Shang #Nishikori
January 4, 2025
Four unseeded semifinalists! Kei Nishikori sets Shang Juncheng clash in Hong Kong
The 19-year-old, coming off a breakout year that saw him crack the Top 50 and lift his maiden ATP trophy in Chengdu, equaled his 2024 Hong Kong run.

“We’ve been playing a lot the last few months,” said Nishikori. “We just played an exhibition last week. I lost, so I have to do better!”

Fellow unseeded competitors Jaume Munar and Alexandre Muller will battle it out for the other championship spot. Munar ousted second seed Lorenzo Musetti, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5, saving two break points in a key game at 5-5 in the second set.

Muller also mounted a comeback with his 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over fourth-seeded compatriot Arthur Fils. He and Munar—both 27—have never met above the ATP Challenger Tour, with all four of those encounters coming on clay.

In a surprising turn of events, the Hong Kong Open has seen four unseeded players make it to the semifinals, with Japanese star Kei Nishikori set to face off against Chinese qualifier Shang Juncheng.

Nishikori, a former world number four and US Open finalist, has been battling his way through the tournament and will now face the relatively unknown Shang Juncheng for a spot in the final. Shang, ranked outside the top 200, has been causing upsets left and right, including defeating third seed Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals.

The other semifinal will see unseeded players go head-to-head, with Italian Lorenzo Musetti taking on American Tommy Paul. Both players have shown great form throughout the tournament and will be looking to secure their spot in the final.

With the top seeds out of the picture, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the Hong Kong Open. Will one of these unseeded players be able to claim the title, or will Nishikori continue his run of form and emerge victorious? Stay tuned to find out!

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1. Kei Nishikori
2. Shang Juncheng
3. Hong Kong tennis
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#unseeded #semifinalists #Kei #Nishikori #sets #Shang #Juncheng #clash #Hong #Kong
January 4, 2025
Shang Juncheng reaches Hong Kong SFs, Kei Nishikori advances | ATP Tour

Match Report

Shang continues Hong Kong love affair, Nishikori reaches first SF in 4 years

Muller, Munar score upsets at ATP 250

January 03, 2025

HKCTA

Shang Juncheng reaches his fourth tour-level semi-final on Friday in Hong Kong.
By Sam Jacot

Shang Juncheng made it consecutive semi-finals at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open on Friday when he battled back to defeat Hungarian Fabian Marozsan 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Hong Kong.

The #NextGenATP lefty hammered 36 winners and earned the decisive break of the match in the fourth game of the third set to earn a one-hour, 45-minute win. Shang, who hit nine aces according to Infosys ATP Stats, will next meet Kei Nishikori.

“I am very happy and again today I didn’t make the best start but kept my cool and kept fighting,” Shang said.

Shang’s success in Hong Kong last January provided the launchpad for him to become the first Chinese teenager ever to break into the Top 100 of the PIF ATP Rankings in May. Four months later he reached a career-high No. 47 after clinching his maiden ATP Tour title in Chengdu.

Nishikori overcame Cameron Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 to reach his first ATP Tour semi-final since Washington in 2021.

“Most of the match he played solid but gave me a few chances,” Nishikori said. “I made more returns in the third set, played more aggressively and everything worked.”

The Japanese star, who will return to the Top 100 for the first time since June 2022 on Monday, leads Norrie 3-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Former World No. 4 Nishikori will play Shang in the semis.

Earlier, seeds Arthur Fils and Lorenzo Musetti were on the wrong side of upsets. Frenchman Alexandre Muller overcame fourth seed Fils 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach his second tour-level semi-final.

Muller’s victory against World No. 20 Fils was just his second in 14 attempts against Top 20 stars. Muller will play Jaume Munar in the last four after the Spaniard defeated second-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti 2-6, 7-6(4), 7-5 in two hours and 38 minutes.

Munar, who leads Musetti 2-1 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series, is chasing his first ATP Tour title at the ATP 250 in Hong Kong. The 27-year-old reached the final in Marbella in 2021.

Shang Juncheng has made it to the semifinals of the Hong Kong Open after defeating his opponent in a thrilling match. The Chinese tennis player displayed his skill and determination on the court, impressing fans and critics alike.

Meanwhile, Kei Nishikori has also advanced to the semifinals after a hard-fought victory. The Japanese player showcased his trademark style of play, combining power and finesse to outlast his opponent.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more exciting matches and impressive performances from these talented players. Stay tuned for more updates on the ATP Tour.

Tags:

Shang Juncheng, Kei Nishikori, Hong Kong SFs, ATP Tour, tennis tournament, professional tennis players, sports news, match updates, tournament results, player highlights, ATP World Tour, Hong Kong Open, tennis championships.

#Shang #Juncheng #reaches #Hong #Kong #SFs #Kei #Nishikori #advances #ATP #Tour

January 4, 2025
Juncheng Shang vs Kei Nishikori Picks & Prediction

Prediction published on 1/3/25, 12:53 PM
by
Bradley Gibbs

|
Modified on
1/3/25
at 1:00 PM

in

Tennis Picks

Not for the first time in the last few months, Jenchung Shang and Kei Nishikori will clash. This time it’s at the ATP event in Hong Kong on Saturday, and early in the morning for those viewing on US soil. Given his recent run, winning each of his last eight hard-court matches, taking the title in Helsinki before Christmas, Nishikori is the narrow favorite here, but is that right? Sure, the Japanese player has been on a great run, but Shang is far from a poor player, while he too has looked strong in Hong Kong, so much so that he looks a little generously priced to grab the win.

Juncheng Shang vs Kei Nishikori Picks & Prediction

In an exciting matchup between two talented tennis players, Juncheng Shang will face off against Kei Nishikori in the upcoming tournament. Both players have shown their skills on the court and are expected to put on a thrilling performance for fans.

Juncheng Shang, a rising star in the tennis world, has been making waves with his impressive game play and determination. With a strong serve and powerful groundstrokes, he has the potential to give Nishikori a tough challenge.

On the other hand, Kei Nishikori is a seasoned veteran known for his speed and agility on the court. With a strong backhand and excellent court coverage, he will be a formidable opponent for Shang.

In terms of predictions, this match could go either way as both players have the ability to come out on top. However, I believe that Kei Nishikori’s experience and consistency will give him the edge in this match. I predict that Nishikori will win in a closely contested battle, possibly in three sets.

Overall, this match is sure to be an exciting one for fans to watch. Make sure to tune in and see who comes out on top in this highly anticipated matchup between Juncheng Shang and Kei Nishikori.

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Juncheng Shang, Kei Nishikori, tennis picks, tennis prediction, sports betting, ATP tour, tennis match analysis, player stats, betting tips, match preview, tennis predictions 2021.

#Juncheng #Shang #Kei #Nishikori #Picks #Prediction

January 4, 2025
ATP Hong Kong Best Bets Including Shang vs Nishikori
ATP 250 Hong Kong semifinals

Muller – Munar: 04.01.2025 07:00 CEST
H2H: 1-3

Alexandre Muller has won three of his last five matches. In Hong Kong, Alexandre won his opening match against Huesler in three tight sets. After losing the first set 2-6, Muller stepped up his level and turned the match around. Muller played the longest match of this season in the second round against Kecmanovic. He won the match after spending almost four hours on the court. The Frenchman even saved two match points in the deciding tiebreak. Today, in the quarterfinals, Muller upset Fils in three sets. Alexandre spent a lot of time on the court this week.

Jaume Munar has won three of his last five matches. In Hong Kong, the Spaniard won his opening round match against Davidovich Fokina after losing the first set 4-6. Munar is a clay court specialist and rarely has any results on hard courts such as this one. In the second round, Munar defeated Borges in straight sets. Jaume lost his serve only once in the match. Other than that, the Spaniard served well throughout the match. Today in the quarterfinals, Munar upset Musetti in the quarterfinals.

Best Bet to Make

According to the bookies, this should be an almost 50-50 match, but we disagree. Muller spent too much time on the court this week, so that he will be tired. On the other hand, Munar played great tennis this week, so we expect him to dominate this match.

That being said, Munar winning is a value bet.

Value bet/ the best odds: Jaume Munar winning @1.80 @bet365

Shang – Nishikori: 04.01.2025 08:30 CEST
H2H: 1-1

Juncheng Shang has won three of his last five matches. The young Chinese solidly started this season. In Hong Kong, Shang defeated Wong in the opening round in straight sets. After that in the second round, Juncheng had an easy job against Martinez. Today in the quarterfinals, Shang had the toughest challenge in the tournament. He lost the first set 1-6 against Marozsan. However, Juncheng stayed calm and turned the match around quickly.

Kei Nishikori has won eight straight matches. In his last tournament in 2024, Nishikori won the Challenger title in Helsinki, winning against Nardi in the final. Here in Hong Kong, Kei dominated the opening round match against Shapovalov, winning straight sets. Nishikori saved both breakpoints and played almost his best tennis. In the second round, Kei defeated Khachanov in three tight sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Nishikori stepped up his level and turned the match around. Today, in the quarterfinals, Kei defeated Norrie in three sets, as we predicted.

Best Bet to Make

According to the bookies, this should be a 50-50 match. Nishikori faced tougher opponents en route to the semifinals than Shang. These conditions are perfect for his tennis. Shang is one of the most considerable talents, but we believe Nishikori´s experience will prevail in this match.

That being said, Nishikori winning is a value bet.

Value bet/ the best odds: Kei Nishikori winning @1.80 @bet365

Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Are you ready for some high-stakes tennis action? Look no further than the ATP Hong Kong tournament, where some of the world’s top players will be battling it out for glory. One of the most anticipated matchups is between rising star Shang and seasoned veteran Nishikori. Who will come out on top?

In this post, we’ll break down the best bets for this exciting showdown. Shang has been on a hot streak recently, showcasing his talent and skill on the court. Nishikori, on the other hand, has the experience and composure to handle the pressure of a high-stakes match. It’s sure to be a thrilling contest between these two talented players.

Our top bet for this matchup is to go with Shang. He has been in incredible form and has the momentum on his side. With his aggressive playing style and powerful shots, he has the ability to overwhelm Nishikori and secure the win.

For those looking for a safer bet, consider a wager on the total number of sets. Given the competitiveness of both players, it’s likely that this match will go the distance and be decided in a thrilling third set.

No matter which way you choose to bet, this matchup is sure to be a must-watch event at the ATP Hong Kong tournament. Don’t miss out on the action and place your bets now!

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2. Shang vs Nishikori
3. ATP Hong Kong betting tips
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8. Shang vs Nishikori match analysis
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#ATP #Hong #Kong #Bets #Including #Shang #Nishikori
January 4, 2025
Norrie vs. Nishikori, Shang vs. Marozsan

Getty Images

Quarterfinal competition in Hong Kong will take place on Friday, when Kei Nishikori looks to continue his run against Cameron Norrie. Another all-unseeded showdown features Jerry Shang and Fabian Marozsan.

(WC) Kei Nishikori vs. Cameron Norrie

At 35 years old, Nishikori is hoping for a resurgent season. If the Japanese veteran can stay healthy (and that’s a big “if”), early indications are that he could be in line for plenty of success in 2025. He has been stellar so far at the Bank of China Open, securing a quarterfinal spot with a 6-2, 6-3 rout of Denis Shapovalov and a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Karen Khachanov.

Up next for Nishikori on Friday is a third meeting with Norrie. Both of their previous encounters have gone Nishikori’s way; 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 at Wimbledon in 2019 and 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 at the 2021 Washington, D.C. tournament. Norrie is also looking to bounce back from injury problems in addition to general poor play–factors that have the former world No. 8 down at 49th. The British left-hander has done well this week to oust Learner Tien and Lorenzo Sonego, but Nishikori–when he is 100 percent physically–represents a step up in class.

Pick: Nishikori in 3

Fabian Marozsan vs. Jerry Shang

Shang and Marozsan will be squaring off for the fourth time in their careers on Friday. Marozsan survived a 2-6, 7-6(5), 7-5 thriller this past fall on the indoor hard courts of Belgrade to win their only previous main-tour showdown, but Shang leads the overall head-to-head series 2-1. The Chinese lefty prevailed twice in qualifying at Grand Slams in 2023, first at the Australian Open and again at Roland Garros.

It’s safe to say that Shang loves Hong Kong. The 19-year-old reached the semifinals in 2024 and he is back in the quarters following straight-set defeats of Coleman Wong and Pedro Martinez. This should be a high-quality affair with Marozsan, who built confidence with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 upset of top seed Andrey Rublev on Thursday. The 58th-ranked Hungarian is a tough customer, but his unusual style of play probably won’t frustrate a mentally strong opponent in Shang like it did Rublev.

Pick: Shang in 3

In a battle for the ages, Norrie takes on Nishikori in an epic showdown on the tennis court. Who will come out on top in this thrilling match-up?

Meanwhile, Shang faces off against Marozsan in a fierce competition on the soccer field. Both players are at the top of their game, but only one can emerge victorious.

Stay tuned for all the action and drama as these elite athletes go head-to-head in the ultimate test of skill and determination. Who will prevail in these high-stakes battles? Don’t miss a minute of the excitement!

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Norrie vs. Nishikori, Shang vs. Marozsan match-up, tennis showdown, player comparison, Norrie Nishikori head-to-head, Shang Marozsan stats, tennis match analysis.

#Norrie #Nishikori #Shang #Marozsan

January 3, 2025
Rublev vs. Marozsan, Shang vs. Martinez
Getty Images

Andrey Rublev kicks off his 2025 season against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, while crowd favorite Juncheng Shang battles No. 7 seed Pedro Martinez. Spots in the Hong Kong quarterfinals are on the line.

(1) Andrey Rublev vs. Fabian Marozsan

Andrey Rublev limped through the last few months of the 2024 season. The world No. 8 crashed out of his first matches at both the Shanghai and Paris Masters and he failed to win a single round-robin match at the Nitto ATP finals in November. Rublev had a first-round bye at the Bank of China Open, so this will be the first “official” glimpse of him in the 2025 campaign. He ground through a trio of exhibition events already, though, in an effort to get ready for the Australian Open.

Rublev’s first opponent in Hong Kong is Hungarian Fabian Marozsan. The 25-year-old is ranked 58th in the world, quite a bit off his career high of No. 36 from May of last year. Marozsan was forced (and failed) to qualify for the Paris Masters at the end of last year. He defeated Russian Roman Safiullin in the first round to earn his chance against the top-seeded Rublev on Thursday.

Despite how he ended last season, Rublev should make his way through this match. But expect to see some offseason rust from the Russian, so Marozsan will probably make him work for it.

Cheryl pick: Rublev in 2

Ricky pick: Rublev in 3

Juncheng Shang vs. (7) Pedro Martinez

Juncheng Shang, known among the tennis community as “Jerry,” won his first title in 2024 at home in Chengdu. The 19-year-old had his breakthrough last season; he also made the semifinals in Atlanta as a qualifier. He defeated the wildcard Coleman Wong from Hong Kong in straight sets in the first round, but it was a tight 7-6(4), 6-4 win for the Chinese left-hander

No. 7 seed Pedro Martinez has a couple of career wins over Shang, but that was several years ago before Shang found his game. Martinez beat qualifier Francesco Passaro in the first round. The Spaniard is 27 years old and ranked 43rd in the world. It was rough going for Martinez in the second half of 2024, although one bright spot was a Challenger title he snagged at the Valencia event in October.

Given that crowd support is sure to go to Shang and Martinez’s strong preference for playing on clay courts, Shang is a strong favorite in this one. Look for the teen to advance in straight sets.

Cheryl pick: Shang in 2

Ricky pick: Shang in 2

The battle of the titans: Rublev vs. Marozsan, Shang vs. Martinez

Get ready for an epic showdown as two of the biggest names in their respective sports come face to face in a clash of skill, determination, and sheer talent.

In one corner, we have Andrey Rublev, the Russian tennis sensation known for his powerful serves and relentless aggression on the court. With numerous ATP titles under his belt and a fierce competitive spirit, Rublev is sure to bring his A-game to this match.

In the other corner, we have Dzsenifer Marozsan, the German football maestro who has dazzled fans with her exquisite ball control and playmaking abilities. A key player for both club and country, Marozsan is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.

But the excitement doesn’t end there – as we also have a thrilling match-up between Fan Zhendong and Hugo Calderano. These two table tennis stars are known for their lightning-fast reflexes and precision shots, making this a showdown not to be missed.

So mark your calendars and tune in to witness these incredible athletes go head-to-head in what is sure to be a spectacle of sporting greatness. Rublev vs. Marozsan, Shang vs. Martinez – it’s going to be a showdown for the ages.

Tags:
1. Rublev vs Marozsan match analysis
2. Shang vs Martinez showdown
3. Rublev vs Marozsan tennis match
4. Shang vs Martinez basketball game
5. Rublev vs Marozsan player comparison
6. Shang vs Martinez athlete face-off
7. Rublev vs Marozsan sports rivalry
8. Shang vs Martinez game recap
9. Rublev vs Marozsan performance review
10. Shang vs Martinez highlights and stats
#Rublev #Marozsan #Shang #Martinez
January 2, 2025
Chinese star Jerry Shang breaks home hearts with Hong Kong Open victory over Coleman Wong
Teenage Chinese star Jerry Shang Juncheng broke home hearts after beating local favourite Coleman Wong Chak-lam in a gripping Bank of China Hong Kong Open first-round clash on Tuesday.

Under the lights at a rapt Victoria Park Tennis Centre, Hongkonger Wong fought furiously to stay alive in the opening set before losing it on a tiebreak. World No 50 Shang gained a decisive break early in the second and clinched victory 7-6, 6-4 to stay on course for a quarter-final meeting with defending champion Andrey Rublev.

The 20-year-old Wong, who was chasing his first victory over a top-50 opponent, showed glimpses he could cut it at the top, utilising a killer serve that scored him 17 aces in a match lasting one hour and 29 minutes.

Wong, ranked 170 in the world, was roared on by the home crowd in the first set when he courageously dug in to prevent Shang from taking a 4-2 lead. The Hongkonger fended off his 19-year-old counterpart by hitting five aces in a game that had six deuces and saw Wong rescue four break points.

Shang won the tiebreak 7-3 after achieving a pivotal mini break at 3-3.

Jerry Shang Juncheng saw off the challenge of Wong in two tight sets. Photo: Jonathan Wong

“It was a great match from both of us and we pushed each other,” Wong said.

Chinese badminton star Jerry Shang captured the hearts of fans in his home country with a stunning victory over Coleman Wong in the Hong Kong Open final. Shang, known for his lightning-fast reflexes and powerful smashes, put on a masterful performance to claim the title in front of a raucous crowd.

The match was a thrilling display of skill and determination, with both players trading points in a back-and-forth battle. But in the end, it was Shang who emerged victorious, winning in straight sets and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Shang’s win is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and it cements his status as one of the top players in the world. Fans across China are celebrating his victory, and eagerly anticipating his next tournament appearance.

Congratulations to Jerry Shang on his impressive win at the Hong Kong Open, and best of luck in his future matches.

Tags:
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2. Hong Kong Open victory
3. Coleman Wong
4. Badminton champion
5. Chinese athlete
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#Chinese #star #Jerry #Shang #breaks #home #hearts #Hong #Kong #Open #victory #Coleman #Wong
January 2, 2025
Shang Juncheng sparkles on Hong Kong return | ATP Tour
Hong Kong

#NextGenATP Shang sparkles on Hong Kong return

Nishikori breezes past Shapovalov, Borges advances

December 31, 2024

HKCTA

Shang Juncheng defeats Coleman Wong on Tuesday at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open.
By Alex Sharp

Chinese #NextGenATP star Shang Juncheng started 2024 with a breakthrough semi-final run at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open. On Tuesday, he bookended the calendar year with a rock-solid opening win at the 2025 edition of the hard-court ATP 250.

Under the lights on New Year’s Eve at Victoria Park, Shang secured an absorbing 7-6(3), 6-4 triumph over local prospect Coleman Wong.

“Me and Coleman go way back to 11, 12 years old playing juniors together. Seeing him on the biggest stage with me here, in front of his home crowd, I’m really honoured,” said the No.50 in the PIF ATP Rankings. “It’s great to be back in Hong Kong. It’s such a beautiful place, such a beautiful city. It’s a special place for me. 2024 started and ended here for me. I have enjoyed every moment so far on these courts.”

Shang’s success in Hong Kong in January provided the launchpad for him to become the first Chinese teenager ever to break inside the ATP Top 100 in May and five months later the left-hander reached a career-high World No. 47 after clinching his maiden ATP Tour title in Chengdu.

“Definitely physically I’m a little bit stronger, playing faster, but mentally I’m still the same, trying to be positive all of the time, giving it all on the court,” added the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF competitor. “It’s been a real rollercoaster year for me and a really happy one.”

Shang faces seventh seed Pedro Martinez at the next hurdle. The Spaniard advanced 6-4, 6-4 against Francesco Passaro.

Earlier on Tuesday, former World No. 2 and three-time Hong Kong champion Michael Chang, who coached Kei Nishikori for the best part of a decade from 2014, told the media that the Japanese icon would find returning to the Top 50 ‘a piece of cake’ if he stays fit.

You May Also Like: Nishikori: ‘I still have the same passion’

Nishikori’s emphatic 6-2, 6-3 dismissal of Denis Shapovalov certainly set the tone for a strong start to the new season.

“This is a great start,” said the 12-time tour-level champion Nishikori. “The next goal is that Top 50. I’ll have to go slowly, but if I can be healthy and play the whole season, I think I can do that. I can’t speak too much because I’m still around 100 and I need to maybe play some Challengers, to get more points, to get more wins.”

Currently the World No. 106, Nishikori arrowed plenty of shots to keep Shapovalov consistently off balance and his vintage display set a second-round clash with third seed Karen Khachanov for New Year’s Day.

Winding back the clock with @keinishikori @Hkto_mens | #BOCHKTO pic.twitter.com/uPxwizsOCI

— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 31, 2024

Nishikori leads his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Khachanov 4-2, having prevailed in their three most recent encounters.

“It’s a big test, he’s been playing well, especially at the end of the year,” said Nishikori. “Big serve, big forehand and it’s going to be very interesting. It’s a good challenge for me to see how much I can play with these Top 20 guys. I’m excited.”

Nuno Borges and Zizou Bergs were among the other first-round winners in Hong Kong on Tuesday. The fifth-seeded Borges held off Buyunchaokete for a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) opening win, while Bergs sunk qualifier Alejandro Moro Canas 6-4, 6-4.

Story republished with the permission of hkmenstennisopen.com

Shang Juncheng, the rising tennis star from China, made a dazzling return to the ATP Tour in Hong Kong. The 20-year-old showcased his talent and skill on the court, dazzling fans and critics alike with his powerful serves and precise shots.

Juncheng’s performance in Hong Kong was nothing short of spectacular, as he defeated some of the top players in the tournament with ease. His agility, speed, and determination were on full display, leaving spectators in awe of his abilities.

Many are now hailing Juncheng as the next big thing in tennis, with some even comparing him to the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. His remarkable comeback in Hong Kong has solidified his place in the tennis world, and fans can’t wait to see what he does next.

With his impressive showing in Hong Kong, Shang Juncheng has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour. The future looks bright for this young star, and tennis enthusiasts everywhere are eagerly anticipating his next match.

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#Shang #Juncheng #sparkles #Hong #Kong #return #ATP #Tour
January 2, 2025

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