ROLEX SHANGHAI MASTERS

October 1, 2024

Shang Juncheng

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Welcome to the press conference of Shang Juncheng. We will do English questions first and then move to Chinese. So, English first.

Q. Jerry, I was wondering if you could talk about, you recently won your first title, and it was on home soil. How much did it mean to win your first title in China?

SHANG JUNCHENG: Well, I think probably one of the most important moments in my career so far. I think to win my first title at a young age, and I think it's very helpful for my confidence as well, not to mention it's at home in Chengdu, which is very, very exciting. I think I was too excited to even sleep.

Q. You mentioned you are still only 19, does it surprise you that you've achieved so much so early in your career?

SHANG JUNCHENG: I think in some ways, yes, but I don't think about the age too much. We're all competing on tour against other players, you know, some are older, some are younger, so I think it's not a huge thing to think about.

I focus more on myself, more enjoying trying to play good tennis each week, and trying to enjoy the places that I go to.

Q. What are your thoughts ahead of your first match with Coleman tomorrow?

SHANG JUNCHENG: Well, probably very nervous before I walk on, you know, it's a Masters and it's at home. I think I'll face a lot of pressure, but it's going to be exciting for the way that I'm going to deal with it on court. I think it will be a huge step for me and for my team as well, how to handle this. Just, again, try to enjoy it as much as I can and to have a lot of fun on the court, that's the most important.

Q. What are your thoughts on the, it's a very successful period for Chinese men's tennis, what are your thoughts about that?

SHANG JUNCHENG: I think it's amazing to have a lot of players, Bu making semis, he's playing I think tonight against Jannik, and me and Z, we're both doing so well. I think it's a push for all of us. We're competing against each other in some ways, and also trying to encourage each other to play better tennis, so I think that's a big improvement for all of us.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in Chinese.

Q. After the China Open, you told me that you are physically, that you think that the season arrangement is physically challenging, so could you tell us what's your expectations for this Masters?

SHANG JUNCHENG: Generally speaking, my physical condition is better than a few days ago at Beijing. Weather-wise, Shanghai is different from Beijing or Chengdu, but this is what professional athletes have to deal with, you have to have the ability to handle and deal with the different environment. I think I'm pretty well prepared, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

Q. Your opponent tomorrow, as many people cited, is very talented, do you know about him, have you played with each other before?

SHANG JUNCHENG: Actually, we were together while we were 12-13 years old, we were very good friends. I think his style is quite unique, he is well rounded, very tall, great serve. I'm sure he is 100 percent prepared, and I am also fully prepared, so it's going to be a tough game.

Q. Yesterday, at the draw, Coleman said that you've never played with each other, tomorrow will be the first time, so what do you do for preparation?

SHANG JUNCHENG: In terms of preparation, I think I'll focus on myself. Actually, the first time that we practiced was before Masters 250 in Hong Kong. I think the most important thing is to focus on myself, because the opponent can play any game, so I'll try to focus on myself, and then try to relax and enjoy the game, the match.