China's Shang Juncheng hits a shot against Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp during their men's singles match on day five of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

China's Shang Juncheng slumped to a straight-sets defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp in the Australian Open second round on Thursday.

After a competitive first set, the 75th-ranked van de Zandschulp dominated to clinch a 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-3 victory in two hours and 14 minutes.

The 20-year-old Shang was unable to produce his trademark fireworks and he had 36 unforced errors while the heavy-hitting van de Zandschulp fired down 15 aces.

It was a disappointment for Shang, who had produced a stirring four-set victory over former top-10 player Roberto Bautista-Agut in the first round.

Shang, a former No. 47, had third round finishes at the Australian Open and US Open in 2024 but struggled to regain his best form last year as he battled a foot injury.

The Dutchman, a former world No. 22, will next face 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.