Aus. Open: China’s Shang registers name in record books

Melbourne: Seventeen-year-old Shang Juncheng made history on Monday as the first Chinese man to win a main draw match at the Australian Open in the Open era.
In his Grand Slam debut, the left-handed qualifier delightedly punched the air after stunning world No.74 Oscar Otte 6-2 6-4 6-7(2) 7-5 in front of a packed crowd on Court 13.
During the encounter, which lasted just under three hours, Shang smashed 53 winners past his German rival. In the opening set, he fended off the only two break points he faced.
Ranked 194, Shang – also known as Jerry – is the youngest man vying for the AO 2023 title and secured his place after notching up three wins in qualifying, including one over 2009 semifinalist Fernando Verdasco, a fellow southpaw.
The victory marked his first main draw ATP Tour win in four events.
The effort is reminiscent of Carlos Alcaraz’s breakthrough at Melbourne Park in 2021, when the Spaniard, then 17, won through qualifying to reach the second round.
Also advancing on Monday were countrywoman and 29th seed Zheng Qinwen, who swept past Dalma Galfi 6-0 6-2. She’s joined in the round of 64 by Wang Xinyu, who ousted Australian wildcard Storm Sanders 7-6(2) 6-4 and Zhu Lin, who defeated Rebecca Marino 6-2 6-4. Yue Yuan fell to sixth seed Maria Sakkari 6-1 6-4. (UNI)