Michael Chang won the French Open in 1989 as a 17-year-old and was a three-time Grand Slam singles runner-up (1995 French, 1996 Australian, 1996 US Open). He also made the semifinals at the US Open three times between 1992-97. The California native was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2008. Chang, 45, who took part in the Champions Invitational at this year's US Open, recently talked to USOpen.org to talk about his memories from Flushing, and the state of American Tennis.
USOpen.org: What's it like being back at the US Open, where you were a fan favorite throughout your career?
Michael Chang: It's always great to be back at the Open. This has been a great tournament for me. the first time I played it, I was 15. I've had a lot of history here. This is the American's Grand Slam so it's hard not to feel comfortable here with all the crowd support.
USOpen.org: Do you have a favorite match from the US Open?
Chang: I've had a lot of great memories here. I think beating Andre (Agassi) in the semifinals in 1996 (6-3, 6-2, 6-2) was great and playing John (McEnroe) at night (1991 third round win, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-3) was an incredible experience as well. I played 17 years here so I have a lot of fond memories.
USOpen.org: You were the youngest men's player to win a Grand Slam singles title when you won the French Open in 1989 at 17, a record that still stands today. What was that like?
Chang: It's hard to explain. Obviously it was very unexpected. I think there were a lot of other reasons why it happened and I just feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to be able to come through.
USOpen.org: How do you feel about the state of American tennis, with four women in the quarters here and the men making some noise as well?
Chang: Obviously the women are doing great. Hopefully it's a very positive sign of things to come. On the men's side, the guys are starting to do better and better, especially this next crop of young players, guys like Jared Donaldson, Francis Tiafoe, Tommy Paul. These guys are the next generation and it's going to be interesting to see how well they do in the next three or four years.
USOpen.org: You coach Ken Nishikori, who isn't playing in the US Open, but was a finalist in 2014 and a semifinalist last year. How has he improved his game?
Chang: We've worked on so many different things, all aspects of his game but on and off the court. It's been a little bit of everything.
USOpen.org: You were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2008. What was that moment like?
Chang: It was very special. To be among so many incredible tennis champions and tennis greats from the past, it was very special moment for me and my team who helped me get there.
