For 22-year Wang Chuhan, eliminating a world Top 20 player is certainly a great way to start his campaign at the Shanghai Masters.
Placed 553 in the world rankings, the Chinese player sailed to victory against Italy's Fabio Fognini in less than one and a half hours, winning in straight sets 7-5, 6-4.
"Before the match I didn't think too much about winning or losing. I just came here to play and to get some experience. Playing against a top player helps me to get used to the intensity of the competition. Winning this match would help me to overcome my nervousness when I face a top player in the future and I will definitely feel more confident. "
Upto now, Wang Chuhan only counted two semi-final showings at Futures tournaments as his career highlights for this season.
He is one of the three Chinese men's singles players at this year's Shanghai tournament.
When asked how Chinese male players could improve and match the achievements made by some of the Chinese women players, Wang says they should participate in more high profile matches to gain more hands-on experience.
"Chinese male players sit far behind in the world rankings so they don't have many opportunities to play in international tournaments. If they could participate in such tournaments, the intense competition will encourage them to be in their best form, to improve and eventually to win."
Wang Chuhan will next play qualifier Malek Jaziri from Tunisia in round two.
For CRI, I'm Luo Wen from Shanghai.
