Shang Juncheng, Zhang Zhizhen reach maiden ATP finals at Chinese tour stops

Before Monday, China had one ATP finalist to its name. After action wrapped up, historic 2023 Dallas Open champion Wu Yibing was joined by a pair of countrymen reaching their maiden tour-level title matches.

Shang Juncheng rode out a break of serve in each set to end Yannick Hanfmann’s Chengdu Open bid with a 6-4, 6-4 victory. The 19-year-old, who also goes by Jerry, has dropped just one set en route after ousting the likes of Kei Nishikori and No. 2 seed Alexander Bublik along the way.

The Beijing native jumped to a career-high No. 55 in the latest ATP rankings and improved upon semifinal runs in Hong Kong and Atlanta by advancing past Hanfmann.

Only top seed Lorenzo Musetti stands between Shang and the trophy. This year’s Wimbledon semifinalist halted Alibek Kachmazov, 6-4, 6-2, in one hour and 42 minutes.

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In Hangzhou, Zhang Zhizhen won an all-Chinese clash over countryman Bu Yunchaokete. The No. 6 seed fired 10 aces to 0 double faults and erased all four break points against his serve to secure the 7-6 (3), 6-4 win.

“His performance was really good. For two sets, it was one break. It was a little bit lucky but I am happy with the result today,” said Zhang.

Awaiting the 27-year-old is Marin Cilic. Starting the tournament as the world No. 777, the former US Open champion became the second lowest-ranked finalist in ATP history by defeating Brandon Nakashima.

Cilic staved off a pair of set points before finishing off the American, 6-4, 7-6 (6). The Croat achieved his best showing on tour since finishing runner-up at Tel Aviv in October 2022.