Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang Preview & Prediction | 2024 Australian Open | First Round
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THE FACTS
When is Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang on and what time does it start? Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang will take place on Tuesday 16th January, 2024 – not before 03:15 (UK)
Where is Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang taking place? Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang being played on? Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang
What channel is Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang on in the UK? Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Mackenzie McDonald vs Juncheng Shang live on their website
THE PREDICTION
18-year-old Juncheng Shang impressed on his Melbourne debut here last season, stunning Oscar Otte in fur sets before defeat to Frances Tiafoe, and he stands a strong chance at emulating that run or more 12 months on. The Chinese up-and-comer brings a career-high ATP world ranking of 140th into the draw after avenging his defeat to Tiafoe at the Hing Kong Open two weeks ago, reaching the semi-final before a three-set exit to eventual champion Andrey Rublev, and he enjoyed two impressive results over Ben Shelton in subsequent weeks last August to prove himself a real handful in these conditions.
World number 42 Mackenzie McDonald remains the slightest of favourites as a lover of both the five-set format and the conditions here in Melbourne but he is currently far from the career-best level he found here last season when he upset an out-of-sorts Rafael Nadal in the second round. 28-year-old McDonald needed three sets to beat Shang at the Zhuhai Championships last September but the Chinese brings by far the better recent form into this rematch. Back Shang to earn at least two sets in a decent candidate for a five-set thriller.
TIP: JUNCHENG SHANG TO WIN TWO SETS
