Shang’s First Win Since Surgery: Kicks Off Chengdu Title Defense
#NextGenATP sensation from China ready to clash with Nakashima at ATP 250
September 17, 2025
Chengdu Open
Defending champion Shang Juncheng triumphs over Zizou Bergs during Wednesday’s match at the Chengdu Open.
By ATP Staff
This year has posed numerous challenges for Shang Juncheng, but the #NextGenATP standout rose to the occasion in front of his enthusiastic home crowd at the Chengdu Open.
The 20-year-old star showcased resilience by securing a 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 victory against Zizou Bergs, marking his first win since returning to the court. Shang, who was sidelined from January until late July due to a foot injury that required surgery in March, displayed tenacity to fend off World No. 46 Bergs and celebrate a significant milestone in his comeback.
The defending champion is BACK 👑
Fit and ready, Jerry Shang claims his first victory since January! @ChengduOpen | #ChengduOpen pic.twitter.com/O6OZxeZL7M
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 17, 2025
Shang’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, saving six out of seven break points he faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats, during his first-ever encounter with Bergs. When he gained a crucial break in the final set, he fought back from 0/40 to hold serve at 5-3 and closed out the match with a commanding game.
Though he kept his emotions in check after clinching the victory and during a quick embrace with Bergs at the net, Shang couldn’t hide his joy during the post-match interview, where his smile lit up the court.
Having participated in the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, Shang currently sits at 18th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah. However, he has a chance to climb as high as eighth if he successfully defends his title in Chengdu. His next challenge comes against the fourth seed, Brandon Nakashima.
In another exciting development, fellow #NextGenATP wildcard Zhou Yi made headlines by defeating World No. 34 Cameron Norrie. The 20-year-old Zhou fought off a match point while serving at 4-5, 30/40 in the third set, ultimately winning 6-7(3), 6-4, 7-6(2) in what marks a career-high upset by PIF ATP Ranking. He will face Christopher O’Connell next, after the Australian claimed victory over Quentin Halys with a score of 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4.
Marcos Giron also progressed to the second round on Day 1 in Chengdu, securing a straight sets victory over American rival Ethan Quinn, 7-5, 6-4, and is set to encounter either eighth seed Lorenzo Sonego or Juan Manuel Cerundolo in his next match.
