ATP Doha: Shang Juncheng falls to Medvedev in first round, missing out on his first win of the Year of the Dragon

On February 16 local time, the ATP 500 Doha tournament began the men's singles first round matches. Chinese player Shang Juncheng, featured last on the center court, lost 4-6, 2-6 to the 4th seed Medvedev, missing out on his first win of the Year of the Dragon. This year’s Doha event boasts a strong lineup, including world top two players Alcaraz and Sinner, as well as the “Russian trio” — Medvedev, Rublev, and Khachanov, all former champions of this tournament. Additionally, players like Lehecka, Menchik, and Tsitsipas also joined the competition.

Shang Juncheng

Shang Juncheng entered the main draw of this tournament using a protected ranking, but his draw was tough, facing former world No.1 Medvedev in the first round, whom he had never played before. Although Medvedev was upset in the first round of last week’s ATP 500 Rotterdam event, he quickly bounced back this week with a strong serving performance and clutch points (79% first serve points won, converting 5 of 8 break points), winning in straight sets. Medvedev will face the winner between Tsitsipas and wildcard Essaji in the next round. Originally, Shang was also scheduled to play doubles with Bublik at this event, but due to Bublik’s withdrawal, they missed their chance to debut as a pair in Doha.

In other completed matches, second seed Sinner, who lost to Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals two weeks ago, recorded his first win since the Australian Open here in Doha. He dominated Mahach 6-1, 6-4 in just 70 minutes, extending his winning streak at 500-level events to 11 matches. Last October, Sinner won both the China Open and Vienna titles. In the second round, Sinner will face Australian Poprin, who cruised past local wildcard Zayed 6-0, 6-2.

Sixth seed Menchik came back from a set down to beat British qualifier Hoinszky 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-4. Recently returned from injury, French star Fils also fought through three sets, overcoming Mehzak 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4.

Zhang Zhizhen

The schedule for February 17 was released, with world No.1 Alcaraz set to make his first appearance since winning the Australian Open at 00:30 Beijing time tomorrow. His opponent will be Lindgren, last year’s Shanghai Rolex Masters finalist. Zhang Zhizhen will play around 20:00 Beijing time tonight. He also entered using a protected ranking and will face qualifier Bayena in the first round. The two previously met once at the 2024 ATP 250 Hangzhou event, where Zhang won in straight sets. After winning last week’s Brisbane Challenger, Zhang rushed to Doha, hoping to bring a victory to Chinese fans on the first day of the Lunar New Year!

(Text and editing by Wang Fei, photos by Li Jianyi)