Michael Chang

Born: February 22, 1972

Hometown: Hoboken, New Jersey, United States

Citizenship: United States

Handed: Right

Inducted: 2008

Grand Slam Record

Australian Open
Singles Finalist - 1996
Singles Semifinalist - 1995, 1997
Win-loss record at the Australian Open: 21-10

Roland Garros
Singles Champion - 1989
Singles Finalist - 1995
Singles Quarterfinalist - 1990, 1991
Win-loss record at Roland Garros: 38-15

Wimbledon
Singles Quarterfinalist - 1994
Win-loss record at Wimbledon: 18-14

US Open
Singles Finalist - 1996
Singles Semifinalist - 1992, 1997
Singles Quarterfinalist - 1993, 1995
Win-loss record at the US Open: 43-17

 

Career Results

Michael Chang captured one Grand Slam Singles Championship: Roland Garros - 1989

Career singles titles: 34
(Reached the finals of 24 additional tournaments - see list below)
Career singles win-loss record: 662-312
Year turned pro: 1988

SINGLES CAREER TITLES (34)
1988--San Francisco
1989--Roland Garros, Wembley
1990--Montreal / Toronto
1991--Birmingham
1992--San Francisco, Indian Wells, Key Biscayne
1993--Jakarta, Osaka, Cincinnati, Kuala Lumpur-2, Beijing
1994--Jakarta, Philadelphia, Hong Kong, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Beijing
1995--Hong Kong, Atlanta, Tokyo Indoor, Beijing
1996--Indian Wells, Washington, Los Angeles
1997--Memphis, Indian Wells, Hong Kong, Orlando, Washington
1998--Boston, Shanghai
2000--Los Angeles

FINALIST (24)
1989--Los Angeles
1990--Los Angeles, Wembley
1991--Grand Slam Cup
1992--Hong Kong, Grand Slam Cup
1993--Los Angeles, Long Island
1994--San Jose, Tokyo Outdoor, Tokyo Indoor
1995--San Jose, Philadelphia, Roland Garros, Cincinnati, Singles Championship
1996--Australian Open, Hong Kong, Cincinnati, US Open, Singapore
1998--Memphis, Orlando
2000--Auckland

Davis Cup
USA Davis Cup Team Member 1989, 1990, 1996, 1997
Winning Cup Teams: 1990
Win-loss Record: 8-4 singles record

Highest Ranking

World Rankings
Michael Chang reached a career-high world ranking of No. 2 on September 9, 1996 and finished the year at No. 2 in the world (behind Pete Sampras).

Year End World Rankings:
1988 - No. 30
1989 - No. 5
1990 - No. 15
1991 - No. 15
1992 - No. 6
1993 - No. 8
1994 - No. 6
1995 - No. 5
1996 - No. 2
1997 - No. 3
1998 - No. 29
1999 - No. 48
2000 - No.32
2001 - No. 94
2002 - No. 124

Other

Michael Chang:
1988, Named ATP Newcomer of the Year
1994, Chairman of ATP Charities
1995, Named Most Caring Athlete by USA TODAY Weekend
1997, Earned one of seven Asian American leadership awards by A. Magazine
1991, Established Chang Family Foundation
2001, Served as Goodwill Ambassador for 2008 Beijing Olympic Bid Committee
2002, Released book “Holding Serve: Persevering On and Off the Court”
2008, Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

 

Michael Chang burst onto the tennis scene by winning the 1989 singles title at Roland Garros, a title that hadn’t been claimed by an American male in 34 years, since Tony Trabert in 1955. His two week run was highlighted by defeating the No. 1 seed Ivan Lendl in five sets (4th round), a come-from-behind victory that lasted well over four hours, He went on to defeat Stefan Edberg in the final, the No. 3 seed, in another five-set championship battle.

Turning pro in 1988, he won the French grand slam title on red clay at a mere 17 years, 3 months. He still holds the record as the youngest male singles champion to win in France.

In a career spanning 16 years, Chang reached a career high world ranking of No. 2 and was ranked in the World Top 10 for seven years. He captured 34 singles titles while also reaching an additional 24 tournament finals. He was victorious in seven ATP Masters Series events (Indian Wells-1992, 1996-7; Miami-1992; Canada/Toronto-1990; and Cincinnati-1993-94).

He was a finalist at the 1996 Australian Open and a semifinalist in 1995 and 1997; in addition to his Roland Garros win in 1989, he also reached the French final in 1995 and the quarterfinals in 1990-91; his best result at Wimbledon was the quarterfinal in 1994; and at the US Open, he reached the final in 1996, the semifinals in 1992 and 1997, and the quarterfinals in 1993 and 1995.

He served the United States in Davis Cup competition (1989-90, 1996-97), winning the Cup in 1990, and posting an overall 8-4 singles record.

Right-handed with a two-handed backhand, and standing at a mere 5-feet, 7-inches, Chang was born in Hoboken, New Jersey on February 22, 1972 to Chinese-American parents and research chemists Joe and Betty Chang. They soon moved to Southern California where Michael developed as a tennis player. As a youngster, Michael won the USTA Boys 18s Hardcourts and the Boys 18s Nationals in 1987. At age 12, Michael won the USTA Junior Hard Court singles, and the Fiesta Bowl 16s at age 13.

Known for his quick footwork, tireless two-handed backhand and abundant energy, Chang became a determined, unwavering and courageous competitor - and a champion of the sport.

In 1999, Michael established the Chang Family Foundation, an organization focused on his commitment to Christian values. Through the foundation, he coordinates the family's community service programs that include youth programs, national and international outreach events. He supports grass roots tennis development in Asia through his "Stars of the Future Program" in Hong Kong.

Michael became a published author in 2002 with "Holding Serve: Persevering On and Off the Court."

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