SA Juncheng Shang They called him ‘Jerry’ because he was crazy about the cartoon ‘Tom and Jerry’. He was born in Beijing, but at the age of 13 he studied at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida (USA). needed Rafael Nadal as an idol, with whom he shares his love for Real Madrid, but he also mentions Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as references of what he saw in his childhood.
His parents taught him tennis from a young age, though Yi He was developed as a professional footballer and already He became a world champion in table tennis.
Zurdo, a recent Hong Kong ATP semi-finalist, was world junior number 1 at age 16, when he was already winning ITF professional tournaments. At that young age he lost in the US Open under-18 final against Espanyol Daniel Rincon.
Ranked 140th, he entered the draw with an invitation from the organization, which prides itself on commanding the Grand Slam of Oceania and also Asia. Shang debuted in 2023, then passed the previous stage. The German was defeated Oscar Ottesurrendered against the American Frances Tiafoe. A result that has been improved.
He assured that against Carlos Alcaraz “the expectations are low, as long as there is a good atmosphere in the Rod Laver Arena or maybe on the Margaret Arena court. Just enjoy every point, every moment and try to learn. He is one of the best.”
As for pursuing him in the future, he was cautious. “Step by step, you don’t have to go crazy, just focus on the present,” he said of being surrounded by “a great team and an incredible family. I’m lucky for that.”
At 18 years and 360 days, he could become the youngest Australian Open eighth finalist since his beloved Rafa Nadal in 2005. Only three male players from his country have reached that Grand Slam round: Lum Pao-Hua , in Australia 1972, and Kho Sin-Khie, at Roland Garros 1936 and Wimbledon 1938 before becoming an Australian citizen.
Although he himself knows best what it means to challenge a number 2 like Carlos Alcaraz, double Grand Slam champion at the age of 20 and who will study well in the videos he will review with his coaches Juan Carlos Ferrero, from far away , and Samuel López, moved to Melbourne.
Shang beat American Mackenzie McDonald and Indian Sumit Nagal to make an early exit on Saturday in Spain, around 3:30, at the headquarters of the Australian Open. It will be interesting to see how any of the best juniors of 2021 fare against Carlos Alcaraz, two years older. The Murcian has never been measured by forces in a younger first-level professional circuit, where he will add his 201st meeting.
Source: La Verdad
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