Confirmed! Shang Juncheng teams up with Zhang Zhizhen for the Australian Open, calling 2026 a "year of rebirth."

Today, Beijing time, Shang Juncheng took part in an online interview with Chinese media, reviewing the fluctuations and development over the last two seasons and looking forward to the 2026 season. He acknowledged that 2025 was difficult because of injuries and surgery but also provided him with important lessons. Moreover, he disclosed that he will team up with Zhang Zhizhen for the men's doubles at the 2026 Australian Open, aiming to train through matches and start a fresh chapter.

Shang Juncheng appears at the Hong Kong tournament

Photo: Li Jianyi

At the start of the new year, Shang Juncheng has chosen Hong Kong as his starting point for three consecutive years. In the past two seasons, he reached the semifinals here. As a Chinese player, he naturally desires to compete on home soil: "If I have the chance to play at home, I will do my best to return to China to play tennis. The atmosphere among Hong Kong fans is great, and there are also mainland supporters from Shenzhen and Guangzhou cheering for me."

Looking back at the 2025 season, Shang Juncheng admitted it was a very tough year. Early in the year, he reached the semifinals in Hong Kong but had to withdraw due to illness; the Australian Open afterward also went poorly as he underwent minor surgery and missed most of the season. Compared to his "perfect" 2024 season when he won his first ATP Tour title, 2025 was marked by ups and downs and recovery. During the China season, his physical condition gradually improved across tournaments in Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai, and his performance at the National Games helped restore some confidence.

“I think the whole year was quite difficult,” Shang Juncheng said. However, he also learned a lot, especially about adapting to the rhythm of international professional tennis, which remains a key challenge for him: “In the future, I may need to be more cautious in selecting tournaments, choosing courts that suit me better, and adjusting my body to peak condition. It’s a step-by-step process to adapt to the pace of professional international tennis, which can’t be achieved in a day — it requires many years, lots of time, and extensive training.”

Currently, Shang Juncheng is training for the new season at the IMG Academy near Miami. His goal during this winter training period is clear: to build strength and endurance and start the new season injury-free. Regarding 2026, he sees it as a fresh start: “As long as I take it slowly and have matches, I will get back on track and find my form. Injuries are inevitable for players; you can only try to avoid them as much as possible, whether big or small. You have to face them with a positive attitude and solve problems step by step.”

Shang Juncheng to partner with Zhang Zhizhen in Australian Open men's doubles

Photo: Li Jianyi

In addition, Shang Juncheng shared exciting news that he will team up with fellow countryman Zhang Zhizhen in the men's doubles at next year’s Australian Open. The pair previously played together at last year’s China Open and Shanghai Rolex Masters.

“I find playing with Zhang Ge very interesting; off the court, he’s also a very fun person, and everyone knows his doubles skills.” Although they have not won any matches together so far, Shang Juncheng looks forward to a different outcome at the Australian Open: “After winter training, our physical condition will be better, and we can better adapt to the match rhythm. We haven’t played much doubles this past year due to long injury breaks, so competing in any major event is a good step forward. I see the Australian Open doubles as a way to train through matches and hope it will inspire my singles game.”

Shang Juncheng is currently ranked No. 253 in the world. Regarding his 2026 schedule, after starting the year with the Hong Kong tournament and the Australian Open, he might return to Challenger events. He can also use protected ranking status to enter major tournaments. “Nine protected rankings may not seem like many, but it’s enough to enter some big events,” he said. “I want to perform well in Hong Kong and the Australian Open early in the season, then make some adjustments and hopefully compete in Middle Eastern tournaments.”

On the long road of professional tennis, time, training, and patience are equally important. At 20 years old, Shang Juncheng is facing the ups and downs of his career with a more mature mindset. In 2026, valuing his health and driven by his passion for the court, he is ready to set off again to write the next chapter of his tennis story.

Interview content source: ATP Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open