By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday January 15, 2023
Chinese 17-year-old Juncheng Shang has become the first Chinese male to win a main draw match at the Australian Open, after the World No.194's 6-2 6-4 6-7(2) 7-5 over Germany’s Oscar Otte on Day 1.
Shang, known as “Jerry”, will turn 18 on February 2nd. He is the youngest player in this year’s men’s singles draw at the Australian Open, and one of three teenagers (along with Holger Rune and Luca Van Assche). The victory was Shang’s first tour-level win.
"I'm a little surprised that I came this fast, but at the same time, I think it's all the hard work from my team and myself that paid off. I think I'm just nothing else but excited about what's coming next," Shang said.
He will face either Frances Tiafoe of Daniel Altmaier in the second round.
It has been a good time for Chinese men at the Slams. At the US Open last year Wu Yibing became the first Chinese man to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam since 1935. Wu and his compatriot Zhang Zhizhen were the first two Chinese men to ever qualify for the main draw at the US Open last year as well.