Lightning struck twice for Shang Juncheng at The Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2024 on Wednesday.
Top 50 opponent again, set down again, match point saved again, the Chinese wild card booked his maiden ATP Tour quarter-final in style with an absorbing 6-7(5), 7-6(2), 7-6(2) triumph over Botic van de Zandschulp.
"Definitely the longest match I've ever played! Physically I'm so tired, but mentally I'm super excited for what's to come next," said the crowd favourite, having spent six and a half hours on court in the first two rounds.
"My first ATP quarter-final, hopefully there's more to come. This is home, so it's extra special for me. I'm just super happy, with these amazing fans too and enjoying the moment."
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Shang Juncheng reaches his first ATP Tour quarter-final after defeating van de Zandschulp!@Hkto_mens | #BOCHKTO2024 pic.twitter.com/cPoyKiHttW
Rewind to New Year's Day and the 18-year-old escaped from two match points against World No. 33 Laslo Djere in a three-set thriller. He faced defeat once again on Wednesday, with van de Zandschulp on the cusp of victory at 6-5 in the second set.
With a spring in his step, frequently beating his chest in celebration, the spirited wild card kept reeling in the world No. 50 Dutchman. Shang even served for the match at 5-3 in the decider, but was denied by some dogged defence by van de Zandschulp.
In both the second and third set tie-breaks, Shang rattled through six consecutive points from 1-2 down to eventually close out the three hours and 32-minute epic.
"I think these two wins are pretty even, 50/50 as my best career wins, I'm just super happy," said Shang, delighted by his composure in the crunch moments.
"You see all the great players, they have moments saving match points. It’s a great value for me to never give up, that's how I want to play tennis into the future, to keep that attitude and to be myself.
"I think it's from the build-up in this pre-season. I haven't always been this calm in important moments. On court time is only three hours and 32 minutes of the day, but you have 24 hours in the day. That just builds how you are as a person, not just in tennis, but in life too.
"I've done a lot of work on this with my parents and my coach, that's where we have a perfect balance."
The 18-year-old hailed significant changes to his practise plans and fitness sessions during the off-season for providing the physical foundation for playing consistently in these marathon matches.
He'll need to replenish all that energy for a quarter-final clash with third seed Frances Tiafoe. The American claimed victory twice over Shang in 2023, including a straight sets scoreline at the Australian Open.
"Frances is obviously a consistent Top 20 player,” Shang said. “He's beaten me twice unfortunately, but I will give 100 per cent for revenge. I'm sure it will be a great match."
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