My Influences: Shang Juncheng on Carlos Alcaraz knowledge and parental support | ATP Tour

Features Player

My Influences: Shang in Alcaraz knowledge and parental support

The Chinese lefty opens the lid on the photos

October 03, 2024

Shang Juncheng has been one of the rising stars on the ATP Tour this year. The Chinese left-hander won his first ATP Tour title in Chengdu, reached two more tour-level semifinals and the third round at the US Open and the Australian Open.

Speaking to ATPTour.com as part of our Next Gen ‘My Influences’ series, the 19-year-old recalled his memories of playing with Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne, the support his former professional parents had for him, and much more. .

Which former Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion did you enjoy watching the most when you were growing up?
I think Carlos Alcaraz for sure. There were some crazy shots and because it’s Next Gen, there are only singles rows and no doubles rows and the net is really close, it helps with close shots. With Carlos, he’s one of the fastest players, so I think that helps him hit some fun shots.

Last year, Hamad Medjedovic was passing, very strong. He was very fair and fair [I enjoy] The tournament and all the players are really fun.

Which Next Gen ATP Finals presented by the PIF champion did you identify with the most?
[Hyeon] Chung won the first year and I think he plays like Novak. He said his idol was Novak and he tries to play like him. It’s the same for me too. Try to be flexible on the field, kind of counter. Chung is very powerful [than me]but maybe I’m a little fast in the court. I would say he is the most similar to me.

Which former champions are your biggest idols and do you remember meeting them for the first time?
I played Alcaraz in the Australian Open. Unfortunately, I had to retire after two sets, but it was a great experience playing against Rod Laver and seeing someone just two years older than me compete at the highest level. He’s one or the best player in the world right now, so that was really exciting.

Who have been some of your biggest influences?
I think of my parents. They were both athletes and my father played football. My mother was a professional tennis player as well, so I think they have some connection with tennis. With sports, they are all related. My dad was with me every day – in practice, day in and day out, in tournaments since I started playing tennis. We have just grown together as a family and as a learning group for this game.

What have you learned this past year on Tour?
I can say that I learned in time. Times are tough sometimes. You don’t have much time to think about other things. Sometimes it’s only a matter of seconds when you have to make a decision. Some decisions are difficult. You lose some and sometimes you win. I think it’s just [important] keeping a calm head and having a positive attitude about everything.

What kind of qualities do you look for when bringing people into your team?
I think that first of all, in the group you have to get along. It doesn’t matter a person’s ability or how well they work. You need to have a happy environment that everyone is familiar with. And maybe the coach, the physio, the fitness coach, they need to love the environment so they can work 100 percent and focus 100 percent. I think it’s like building a family. You have to try and sometimes you don’t connect with other people [with] very well. For me, it’s just connecting and having fun. That is the most important thing.