It’s been a year of firsts for 19-year-old Chinese sensation Shang Juncheng. And given the fact that he’s currently on the fast track to the top of the men’s game, he’s far from finished with building his resume.
The 5-foot-11 lefty, nicknamed Jerry after the Tom and Jerry cartoon character, wields a big game that has made him an instant star in his hometown of Beijing–and the tennis world has taken notice.
Among his notable accomplishments this year are: becoming the first Chinese man to reach the Australian Open third round, the first Chinese teenager in the ATP’s Top 100, and at the start of the US Open, achieving a career-high ranking of No. 72.
Shang’s next shot at another career first comes in the form of a meeting with No. 8 seed Casper Ruud on Friday, where a ticket to the Round of 16 is on the line. If you’re not yet familiar, here’s what you need to know about the 2021 US Open junior boys’ runner up.
Shang isn’t easily intimidated by standing across the net from a top-tier player.
In two of his best results this season, Shang defeated Frances Tiafoe en route to the Hong Kong semifinals, and later took down Ben Shelton in Atlanta to reach the same stage there. At the 2024 US Open, Shang struck again.
He upset No. 27 seed Alexander Bublik in five sets in the first round, then followed with a commanding win over Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets–and sent 53 winners across the net–to move into the third round.
Shang has been nearly unstoppable on hard courts this season. Since exiting the second round of Wimbledon this year, Shang has been on an impressive 8-2 run on hard courts going into the US Open third round. And if you count the two qualifying matches he won to get into the Atlanta main draw, his streak on the asphalt stands at 10-2.
“We're a pretty sporty family. We have always liked to be active and competitive."
Much of what he has learned about professional competition, he learned from his parents.
Both of Shang’s parents are former professional athletes, and he credits his smooth transition onto the pro tour to learning from their experiences. Shang’s mother was a table tennis world champion, while his father played soccer professionally in China.
“We're a pretty sporty family,” he said. “We have always liked to be active and competitive, so I think that sets a good tone as an athlete when you're really young, learning how to compete.
“I think it's really perfect for me as a kid to start like that in a family who understands. I'm fortunate they've taught me so many things, basically everything I know, and it's just been really positive.”
The past 12 months have been a whirlwind for this rising teenage star.
One year ago this week, Shang was ranked No. 178, and he’s taken the express train up the rankings ever since.
Heading into the US Open third round, Shang tallied a 19-12 record on the year, eclipsing the four tour-level wins he managed last season. Much of that can be attributed to seeing more matches at the ATP level.
If, as the saying goes, repetition is the mother of skill, Shang knows a thing or two about getting his reps in. So far this year, the 19-year-old has taken the scenic route into main draws through qualifying at Indian Wells, Barcelona, Rome, Eastbourne, and Atlanta.
The days of having to qualify to enter a tournament, however, might soon be a thing of the past if he keeps up with his results of late. If 2024 is a breakthrough year for Shang’s career, it won’t be long before he starts to become a regular in the late stages of a major.
And if New York City is the city of dreams, why not start now?
