The Asian Swing started last week at the ATP Tour, where two tournaments were played in China. Two fascinating stories have emerged from these tournaments. These champions showed incredible resilience and skill to win the title and gain important points. Here’s a quick rundown of the champions and their impressive victories.
Winners Of The Week
Chengdu: Juncheng Shang
Juncheng Shang beat the top seed, Lorenzo Musetti, in straight sets to win the Chengdu Open. Shang dropped just one set all week and defeated both the top-seeded players. This was Shang’s first ATP Tour title and winning at home made it extra special. Shang gave no chance to Musetti, who lost yet another final this year. Shang’s potential has been talked about a lot and he is clearly showing why. The 19-year-old has improved every month and is on the verge of breaking into the top 50.
The Chinese player is so balanced in defense and takes the ball early, making him a menace to play against. He is hardly out of position, which is a great quality for a young player. Health has been his main concern and something which has held him back. He couldn’t serve at full speed at the US Open but it didn’t seem to hamper him in Chengdu. He has the potential of becoming a top 10 player and the rest of the season is perfect for his aggressive game.
Hangzhou: Marin Cilic
Former US Open champion Marin Cilic created history by winning the inaugural edition of the Hangzhou Open. He defeated Zhizhen Zhang in the final. Cilic started the Hangzhou Open ranked #777, which makes him the lowest-ranked player ever to win an ATP title. It was Cilic’s first title in three years and 21st overall. A monumental effort from him this week, saving match points against Yasutaka Uchiyama in the quarterfinals and then defeating two in-form players. Cilic was at his usual best in the serving department, averaging close to 15 aces in five matches. And was super clutch when needed.
We can never predict tennis using rankings and Cilic proved it. After suffering from injuries for the past two years, Cilic should feel a great sense of confidence after this. He is close to the Top 200 in the rankings now and can have a great end of the season with the indoor courts suiting him.
Main Phoo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
