Shang injury update, China’s women take centre stage, ‘defective’ Olympic medals replaced

It’s day three at the Australian Open, and China’s women are in action early. England bowling legend James Anderson to carry on playing

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Jerry Shang could not get through two sets in his first round match against Alejandro Fokina. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 7:29am, 14 Jan 2025

There really is no other game in town at the moment. It’s day three of the Australian Open, and even if tennis isn’t you first sport it’s hard not to be enthused by what’s going on in Melbourne.

China has strong representation in both the men’s and women’s matches today, while three-time losing finalist Daniil Medvedev and home favourite Alex de Minaur are also both on court.

The FA Cup is slowly making its way to the end of the third round, and Millwall earned themselves a clash with Leeds next after beating Dagenham & Redbridge 3-0 on Monday. But tennis is the star attraction, so it’s Down Under we go for today’s wrap-up.

Shang injury update

Days after retiring ill in the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open, Chinese star Jerry Shang Juncheng exited injured from the Australian Open for the second consecutive year on Monday.

Zhang Shuai (left) warmed up for the Australian Open by playing in the United Cup, where she partnered Sun Fajing in the mixed doubles. Photo: Xinhua

Shang, who retired at 7-6, 5-2 down against Spain’s Alejandro Fokina, said he was feeling a stinging pain in his right foot when he wore tennis shoes – something he had experienced since arriving in Melbourne.

To cope, Shang said he took two painkillers before playing, and took two more during the medical timeout, but was unable to finish the match.

“If you play, you have to go all out to finish the match and try to win, no matter who the opponent is, or how your physical condition is,” Shang said, “But I think it is really a pity today. I have the feeling of playing well and believe I can win today’s match, but it is really impossible physically.”

Order of play

Five of China’s women are in action on Tuesday, and Wei Sijia faces the toughest challenge having been served up as the sacrificial lamb to get fourth seed Jasmine Paolini up and running on Margaret Court Arena.