Shanghai Masters: Alcaraz off to winning start, touched by opponent's gesture

At the Shanghai Masters 2024, World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz secured a commanding victory against local favorite Juncheng Shang, winning 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday. After the match, Alcaraz said he was moved by Shang's admiration for him.

In Short

• Carlos Alcaraz needed just 75 minutes to win his second-round match in Shanghai
• Alcaraz defeated 19-year-old Juncheng Shang 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday
• Alcaraz revealed their post-match chat, backing Shang to achieve more success

Carlos Alcaraz came up with a spotless display of tennis to beat local favourite Juncheng Shang of China in the second round of Shanghai Masters, an ATP 1000 tournament on Saturday, October 5. The World No. 3 heaped praise on his 19-year-old opponent and said he was touched by the Chinese player's admiration for him.

After receiving an opening-round bye, third seed Carlos Alcaraz defeated Shang 6-2, 6-2 in little over an hour to advance to the third round. Alcaraz is fresh from the title triumph in the China Open in which he defeated World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a pulsating three-set final last week.

Speaking to the broadcasters after the win in Shanghai, Alcaraz praised 19-year-old Juncheng Shang, saying the teenager has a bright future. The Spaniard revealed the conversation he had with the Chinese star at the net after the match.

"I am not used to playing against players younger than me. But I’m just glad to know there are a lot of players younger than me, 18, 19, 20 years old. They have a lot of potential," Alcaraz, 21, said.

"At the net, he told me ‘it’s a pleasure sharing the court with you.’ This kind of thing that I hear from them, for me, it’s great," he added.

Alcaraz backed Shang to climb the rankings, highlighting his breakthrough win in an ATP 250 tournament in Chengdu, China in September. Shang defeated the likes of Alexander Bublik and Lorenzo Musetti to win his maiden title on the ATP tour.

"He (Shang) has been playing good tennis. Lifting his first ATP title. I am sure he is going to climb the rankings. He is going be better for sure. I am happy to be able to win these kinds of matches," Alcaraz added.

Alcaraz, who lost to Grigor Dimitrov in the pre-quarterfinals in Shanghai last year, will be looking to have a deeper run in the prestigious tournament. The Spaniard, who won the French Open and Wimbledon this year, will take on wildcard Yibing Wu of China in the third round.