Teenager Shang Juncheng made history at the Australian Open©AFP
Teenager Shang Juncheng made history on Monday by becoming the first male Chinese player to win a main draw match at the Australian Open. A qualifier, the gifted 17-year-old battled past Germany’s Oscar Otte 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 7-5 in nearly three hours of intense tennis to progress. After saving two break points in the opening set, he didn’t get another one as he sealed victory on his third match point.
His reward is a tough second round encounter with Frances Tiafoe, the American 16th seed, or another German, Daniel Altmaier.
In addition to the importance of the result for China, Shang also achieved several personal milestones – in addition to his first major victory, he also achieved his first tour-level victory in four attempts.
Shang, the youngest player in the men’s draw, is leading a historic Melbourne charge with three male Chinese players competing in a Grand Slam main draw since the Open era began in 1968.
He is accompanied by compatriots Zhang Zhizhen and Wu Yibing.
There are seven Chinese women in singles, led by veteran Zhang Shuai, who is ranked 22nd in the world.
Retired Li Na remains China’s best-ever player after winning the French Open in 2011 and the Australian Open three years later.
(This story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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