Shang Juncheng's Inspiring Return to ATP Tour After Foot Surgery

Shang Juncheng, the rising Chinese tennis star, is set to make his return to competitive play at the National Bank Open in Toronto this Sunday, following a challenging six-month rehabilitation period due to a foot surgery. The 19-year-old athlete, who previously reached a career-high ranking of No. 47 in the ATP Rankings, faced significant pain and setbacks that sidelined him since March.

According to Shang, his foot pain was persistent and debilitating, affecting his daily activities, from walking to sleeping. "No matter what position I was in, I felt pain in my right foot. Sometimes I woke up in the middle of the night and it started hurting, and I had to walk around a little bit to circulate it," he shared in an interview with ATPTour.com on July 27, 2025. This ongoing discomfort led him to seek medical advice after initially believing it was a minor issue, possibly a bone bruise.

In March, after experiencing little improvement, Shang made the decision to undergo surgery on March 5, 2025, to address the underlying problem. "The pain went away other than the cuts with the scalpel. The medication at the beginning helped a lot, but during rehabilitation, I was still a bit apprehensive while walking, worried that something might break," he stated.

Prior to his surgery, Shang had begun the season in Hong Kong, where he reached the semi-finals but had to retire during his next match at the Australian Open due to his foot condition. His perseverance and dedication during rehabilitation paid off, as he noted his recovery progressed positively after surgery, culminating in a return to the court in early April.

"By Roland Garros, the pain was gone. That’s when I realized, look, this foot thing is set, and all we need to do is get back in shape and find the match rhythm," Shang remarked, emphasizing his current positivity towards the game. He indicated that the extended break allowed him to spend valuable time with family, improve his golf skills, and indulge in hobbies such as reading the Harry Potter series.

As he prepares for his first ATP Masters 1000 event since his return, Shang expressed his excitement, stating, "I think the most exciting part is that there's no pain, and I'm playing happy on the court. It doesn’t matter what the results are. I’m just happy to play a few tournaments that are left this year." His outlook reflects not only a focus on physical health but also a renewed love for the sport after a lengthy absence.

Shang's return is not just a personal victory; it serves as an inspiring narrative for other athletes facing similar challenges. As he steps onto the court in Toronto, he carries with him the hopes of his supporters and the testament of resilience in the face of adversity. The ATP Tour continues to witness a rejuvenation of talent from the next generation, and Shang Juncheng is poised to make his mark as he competes once again.

The National Bank Open will be a crucial moment for Shang, and as he stated, "There’s a lot to play for on Tour, and I just have very positive feelings to be back. Most importantly for me is to just enjoy because I haven’t played for so long. This is very special to be here in Toronto."