Hong Kong Tennis Open Feels Like a Dream Start to the Season, Says China’s Shang After Quarter Final Run
China’s rising tennis star Shang Juncheng said competing in Hong Kong continues to feel like an ideal way to begin the season after he powered into the quarter finals of the Hong Kong Tennis Open for the third consecutive year.
The 19 year old produced a composed and confident performance to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets, extending a run of consistency that has made Hong Kong one of his most productive stops on the professional calendar. Shang said the city’s atmosphere, conditions and crowd support have helped him settle quickly into competitive rhythm after the off season.
Speaking after the match, Shang described Hong Kong as a place where everything seems to align early in the year. He said the familiar surroundings and positive energy give him confidence and momentum, allowing him to focus on his tennis rather than the usual adjustment challenges that come with the start of a new season.
Against Sonego, Shang controlled rallies with solid baseline play and showed maturity in key moments. He served efficiently, limited unforced errors and stayed calm when faced with pressure, traits that have become increasingly evident as he gains experience on the ATP Tour. The straight sets victory reflected not just technical execution but also tactical discipline.
Shang’s repeated success in Hong Kong has drawn attention from analysts who see the tournament as an important platform for his development. Reaching the quarter finals for a third year running suggests a level of comfort and consistency that is rare for a player still in his teens. It also highlights his ability to deliver results outside mainland China, an important factor as he builds an international profile.
The Hong Kong Tennis Open has long been viewed as a key early season event for players from Asia, offering competitive matches without the intense pressure of the larger Grand Slam tournaments. For Shang, it has become a benchmark stop where he measures progress and builds confidence heading into tougher stretches of the calendar.
The victory over Sonego also signals Shang’s growing competitiveness against established players. Sonego, known for his experience and resilience on tour, tested Shang with variations in pace and shot selection. Shang responded by staying patient and choosing the right moments to attack, a sign of his evolving match awareness.
Looking ahead, Shang said his focus remains on taking each match step by step rather than setting specific targets. He acknowledged that expectations can rise quickly but stressed the importance of staying grounded and continuing to improve physically and mentally.
Organisers and fans in Hong Kong have welcomed Shang’s return as a familiar and popular presence at the tournament. His performances over recent years have helped strengthen the event’s appeal, particularly among younger fans following the rise of Chinese tennis.
As the tournament progresses, Shang’s latest quarter final appearance reinforces the idea that Hong Kong has become more than just another stop on the tour for him. Instead, it represents a reliable starting point where confidence is built and ambitions for the season begin to take shape.
