Chinese rising star Shang Juncheng traded his racquet for a bat on Sunday when he stepped into a mobile “Smash Room” at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships village, using the high-decibel diversion as a mental reset ahead of his tournament debut in the emirate.
The 21-year-old, preparing to face former champion Daniil Medvedev in the opening round, spent part of his practice break inside the Smash Room truck — a pop-up attraction that allows participants to shatter everyday objects in a controlled setting. Shang later described the experience as a way to release tension before returning to competition.
“It was a really fun experience,” he said. “It helps release energy and clear your head before going on court.”
Shang, who is also competing in doubles alongside Alexander Bublik, said the physicality of the activity stood out. “It’s loud and intense, but in a good way — you get everything out of your system in there instead of taking that frustration on to the court.”
The appearance offered a lighter moment during a demanding week at the ATP 500 event, which runs from 23 to 28 February at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Organizers say this year’s men’s draw includes eight of the world’s top 20 players and five former champions, underscoring the tournament’s status as one of the strongest fields on the ATP 500 calendar.
While the Smash Room truck is primarily designed as fan entertainment within an expanded tournament village, it also reflects a broader recognition in professional tennis of the importance of mental balance. Players face a packed global schedule, intense travel demands and high expectations, particularly at events stacked with top-ranked opponents. Short breaks from routine — whether through light-hearted activations or structured recovery sessions — have become part of many athletes’ preparation strategies.
For Shang, currently among China’s most promising young players, the focus quickly returns to the court. He called Dubai’s field “strong” and said he hopes to make the most of his first appearance at the tournament.
With a challenging opener against Medvedev, the 2023 Dubai champion, Shang’s brief detour into the Smash Room may prove one of the few carefree moments of a week that now shifts firmly back to high-stakes competition.
