However Shang, as soon as the world’s top-ranked junior, is the youngest member of a promising new wave that features Wu Yibing, 23, and Zhang Zhizhen, 26.
All three have been in the primary draw this yr in Melbourne. It’s the first time three Chinese language males have performed singles in the identical main within the Open period, which started in 1968.
On Monday, whereas Shang was breaking via on Court docket 13, Wu was on adjoining Court docket 14, taking part in grinding rallies with Corentin Moutet of France earlier than dropping in 5 units.
Wu, who additionally trains at IMG Academy, reached the third spherical of final yr’s U.S. Open, the place Zhang misplaced within the first spherical. Now Shang, a dynamic left-hander who appears to be like like essentially the most promising expertise of the group, has joined them at this degree.
“Now we have now three gamers within the high 200, and I’m completely happy that I’m certainly one of them,” Shang stated. “The opposite two are like older brothers to me and have been on the tour lots longer than me. We do apply lots, and we do discuss how the sport is correct now and the way we are able to push ahead to a better rating. For me, every step is a studying step proper now. I’m in a younger stage of my profession, solely my second yr taking part in skilled tennis. So, for me, it’s simply watching how they do issues, like we’ve additionally watched Li Na and the way she did issues.”
Shang wears an earring in his left ear.
“That’s one thing my dad had for a very long time,” he stated. “After I was round 10 years previous, I used to be like, ‘I need to be like dad,’ and so we went to get it collectively. I’ve had it for a very long time.”