Shang Juncheng of China defeated Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-4, 6-4, advancing to the men’s singles first-round match at the Chengdu Open in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Thursday.
Shang lost to Nishikori in their last meeting in 2023. Nishikori ranked fourth in the world for his career best back in March 2015. Shang scored a break in the third game of the first set to lead 2-1. Then in Game 10, he saved two break points to claim the set.
The second set was closer as the two held each other 4-4 after the first eight games. Shang converted a break point in Game 5, but Nishikori immediately returned the favor in the following game. Shang then scored his third break of the match and saved two break points in his final serving game to seal the deal.
“I’m feeling more and more relaxed in the match,” Shang told reporters after the victory. “So, I have no pressure playing the tour. I just want to enjoy every match. I’m satisfied as long as I gave my best on the court.”
Earlier on the day, home player Zhou Yi secured his first Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour win after knocking out Chun-Hsin Tseng of Chinese Taipei. Zhou lost the first set 2-6, but claimed the second 6-1. When he was leading 3-1 in the third, his opponent retired due to injury.
“It’s a very important match of my career,” Zhou said. “It’s a recognition of my efforts and a boost to my confidence. I’m happy that I won.”