Michael Chang - 2008 International Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee
Michael Chang is best known for winning the French Open title when he was 17 in 1989. Chang’s record as the youngest male to win the French Open title still stands. Chang, who was ranked in the top 10 for seven straight years and collected 34 singles titles during his sixteen year career, also reached the finals at the U.S. Open, French Open and Australian Open and the quarters at Wimbledon. Chang was a member of the United States Davis Cup team when it won the Cup in 1990 and reached a career-high ranking of
number two behind Pete Sampras. The five foot seven inch Chang will be remembered for his two-handed backhand and speed around the court, similar to fellow tennis Hall of Famer, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario. Chang also worked hard to improve his serve later in his career and took advantage of new technologies in tennis rackets to add power to his serve. Chang’s success was testament to not only his tennis talent, but also his hard work, perseverance and fighting spirit. Chang seemed to always believe that he could win regardless of the odds. This is a life lesson for all tennis players and non-tennis players alike.
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