Michael Chang is an American tennis player. He was born February 22, 1972.
Background
Turning pro at just 15 years of age, Michael Chang set numerous "youngest player records." In 1987, he was the youngest player to win a main draw match at the U.S. Open and the youngest to reach a Tour semifinal. Becoming the youngest French Open / Grand Slam Champion ever in 1989, he then became the youngest to rank in the Top 5. Chang ended an American drought at the French Open, when he became the first American male to win the tournament since 1955. In 1991 he reached the quarterfinals or better in 13 tournaments. On the court, Michael's real strength is his return game. Chang was considered one of the fastest players on the circuit, possessing an all-court game.
Career
Michael Chang was the youngest tennis player to be ranked among the five best players in the world. Just fifteen years old when he came out from the juniors becoming the youngest player to win a major match at the U.S. Open, and the youngest go to the Tour semifinals, Chang turned pro in 1988. In 1989, at the age of 17, he became the youngest player ever to win the French Open, and the first American to win the event since 1955.
Tournament Titles:
2000 Los Angeles
1999 None
1998 Boston, Shanghai
1997 Memphis, Indian Wells, Hong Kong, Orlando, Washington
1996 Indian Wells, Washington, Los Angeles
1995 Hong Kong, Atlanta, Tokyo-Indoor, Beijing
1994 Jakarta, Philadelphia, Hong Kong, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Beijing
1993 Jakarta, Osaka, Cincinnati, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing
1992 San Francisco, Indian Wells, Key Biscayne
1991 Birmingham
1990 Toronto
1989 French Open, London-Indoor
1988 San Francisco
Achievements
In 1989, at the age of 17, he became the youngest player ever to win the French Open
Religion
A devout Christian, Chang attributes his success to God. "People need to understand," he told the San Francisco Chronicle's Tim Keown, speaking of his religion, "it's my first priority in life, and I'm going to give glory where glory's due." He acknowledged that his outspoken beliefs "can be a touchy subject…but it's something I'm going to speak out about."
Views
Michael’s Favorites
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Chinese - of course!
Favorite book(s): Bible, Christian books that tell of life experiences or stories
Favorite sport (after tennis): Golf and fishing
Favorite tournament: I have too many favorites…all for different reasons
Most memorable tournament/match: Round of 16 with Ivan Lendl at the 1989 French Open, and the night match with John McEnroe at the US Open that didn’t finish until around 1:30am
Personality
Michael Chang's height: 5'9" (1.75m), weight: 160 (75.6kg)
He is a right-handed tennis player.
Connections
On October 18, 2008, Chang married Amber Liu. They had a daughter, Lani, in December of 2010.
