ATP Chengdu: Shang Juncheng’s title defense ends, Zhou Yi exits in second round

On September 19, 2025, local time, the ATP250 Chengdu tournament held the men’s singles second round matches. The two Chinese players competing today, Shang Juncheng and Zhou Yi, were defeated by the 4th seed Brandon Nakashima and O’Connell respectively, both unfortunately eliminated, leaving no Chinese players remaining in the singles draw.

The American 4th seed Brandon Nakashima opened his Chengdu Open campaign with a win, defeating defending champion Shang Juncheng 7-5, 6-3 in 1 hour and 41 minutes. The 24-year-old ranked 33rd in the world was broken first in the third game but leveled the score in the eighth game and seized the third break point out of three in the twelfth game to claim the first set. Shang, who missed most of the season due to injury and is continuing his comeback during the Asian swing, fought back in the second set but failed to convert three break points in the third game. Later, Nakashima secured a crucial break in the eighth game after four attempts to take the lead and ultimately close out the match.

Brandon Nakashima said, “I knew before the match it would be tough. Jerry (Shang Juncheng) has had a lot of success here, and it’s great to see him back from injury. I think my serving was solid, and after the first few games, I adapted well to the conditions on the center court.” He recorded 13 aces in this match.

Australian player O’Connell ended the hopes of Chinese wildcard Zhou Yi, defeating the 20-year-old in 1 hour and 43 minutes with a score of 6-2, 6-4. This marks O’Connell’s second career quarterfinal appearance at the Chengdu Open and his second top-eight finish this season. The 31-year-old ranked 103rd in the world hit 14 aces and converted four of seven break points, while Zhou valiantly saved three match points in a tense closing stage.

“I felt I played well from the start. Maybe I struggled a bit towards the end, but I expected a tough battle. I watched him play in the second round here last year, so I knew he was a strong player. Today’s outcome didn’t surprise me,” said O’Connell.

Eighth seed Sonego also exited in the first round, losing 4-6, 4-6 to American player Majchrzak in 1 hour and 43 minutes. The 32-year-old Majchrzak set a new personal best at the Chengdu Open, having previously reached only the second round in 2023.

In doubles, two Chinese wildcard pairs caused upsets today, both advancing to the second round. In the opening match on the center court, Cui Jie and Terjegele staged a remarkable comeback after losing the first set, winning 4-6, 7-6(6), 10-7 in 1 hour and 45 minutes against the Brazilian duo Matos and Melo. This victory marked their first main draw win as a team at a tour-level event and was also Cui Jie’s first ATP tour-level win in his career.

Later the same day, Zhou Yi and his partner Wang Aoran defeated the New Zealand/American pair Romios and Siegman 6-7(5), 6-3, 13-11 in 1 hour and 32 minutes. They created 11 break point opportunities, converted two, and withstood pressure in a thrilling super tiebreak, saving two match points to secure the win.

No Chinese players participated in the singles event at today’s ATP250 Hangzhou tournament. In doubles, Wu Yibing and Lenar Chan lost 2-6, 4-6 to the Indian duo Kazi and Prashant, while Buyun Chaokete and Koda were defeated 1-6, 4-6 by Andreozzi and Giner, both pairs failing to advance.

(Text and editing by Dato, photos courtesy of the tournament)