Sunday, August 06, 2000
Chang back in winner's circle
By Michael Perry
The Cincinnati Enquirer
![[PHOTO]](/tennis2000/art/chang10_180x115.jpg)
Michael Chang moves to return a ball to Patrick Rafter at the 1999 Great American Insurance ATP Championships.
(Enquirer file photo)
| ZOOM |
|
Michael Chang has won 34 ATP Tour titles, but after last Sunday's Mercedes-Benz Cup final in Los Angeles, he had to fight to hold back tears in his postmatch press conference.
“It's a bit emotional,” he said. “The last couple of years have been really tough, but I've had a lot of support from my family and friends and I have a lot of people praying for me at home. This title means a lot to me.”
When Jan-Michael Gambill retired after two sets with a sprained right ankle, it gave Chang his first championship in 21 months.
His last title came in Shaghai in October 1998. Last year was the first time since Chang turned pro in 1988 that he did not reach a final of a tournament.
“You try to stay positive as much as you can, not just in tennis but in life as well,” Chang said after last week's victory. “When you're down, you have to pick yourself back up again.”
He comes into this week's Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati with the most victories among active players here with 38.
Chang, 28, became a fan-favorite at the ATP Tennis Center in Mason, appearing in four consecutive finals from 1993-96 and winning twice.
He was No. 3 in the world in 1997, but by the end of 1999, he was ranked 50th — his lowest year-end ranking since 1987 (163rd).
“I feel in my heart bigger and better things are ahead in my career,” Chang said earlier this year. “If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't go out and fight through tough matches.”
Chang has advanced to the quarterfinals in Cincinnati two of the past three years. He was ousted last year by xxxxxx and in 1997 by xxxxxx.
With his victory last Sunday, he moved up to No. 21 in the ATP Entry System and No. 25 in the Champions Race.
With a 28-15 record entering the Tennis Masters Series Canada this past week, Chang already had compiled more victories than during the 1999 season, which he finished 27-22.
“It's a great confidence booster for me and a great way to start off the summer,” said Chang, who won the French Open in 1989 at age 17 for his only Grand Slam title. “It's been a while since I've been in the winner's circle. It feels great!”
Sports Stories
![[PHOTO]](/tennis2000/art/chang10.jpg)