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Another farewell as Chang takes his final bow
New York, Aug 28: Michael Chang concluded his tennis career in much the same manner as he lived it for 16 years - finding joy in the struggle and triumph in the trying.
New York, Aug 28: Michael Chang concluded his tennis career in much the same manner as he lived it for 16 years - finding joy in the struggle and triumph in the trying.
The 31-year-old Asian-American star retired here yesterday after losing to 15th seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 6-3 7-5 5-7 6-4 in a first-round match at the year's final grand slam tournament.
Despite never reaching the pinnacle of world number one and being unable to capture another slam title after his 1989 French Open crown at age 17, Chang left the sport with a smile on his face and no regrets.
"If you walk away having regrets and not with a smile, something is not right," Chang said. "It's important to walk away feeling good whether you win or you lose.
"I wouldn't change a thing. You have your opportunities to win and you take them as best you can. Sometimes you come through, sometimes not. Unfortunately for me, that second grand slam never came.
"But the Lord blessed me with more than I ever imagined. I can walk away feeling good about it."
Just 18 hours after 14-time grand slam champion Pete Sampras was given a royal sendoff on the same Arthur Ashe stadium court, 223rd-ranked Chang made a relatively low-key exit to a standing ovation after a 2-10 farewell season.
"Not every athlete gets an ovation like that," Chang said. "It's special. You learn people care about me. This year I've learned more about how much people care about me than the years I played on tour.
Bureau Report
The 31-year-old Asian-American star retired here yesterday after losing to 15th seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 6-3 7-5 5-7 6-4 in a first-round match at the year's final grand slam tournament.
Despite never reaching the pinnacle of world number one and being unable to capture another slam title after his 1989 French Open crown at age 17, Chang left the sport with a smile on his face and no regrets.
"If you walk away having regrets and not with a smile, something is not right," Chang said. "It's important to walk away feeling good whether you win or you lose.
"I wouldn't change a thing. You have your opportunities to win and you take them as best you can. Sometimes you come through, sometimes not. Unfortunately for me, that second grand slam never came.
"But the Lord blessed me with more than I ever imagined. I can walk away feeling good about it."
Just 18 hours after 14-time grand slam champion Pete Sampras was given a royal sendoff on the same Arthur Ashe stadium court, 223rd-ranked Chang made a relatively low-key exit to a standing ovation after a 2-10 farewell season.
"Not every athlete gets an ovation like that," Chang said. "It's special. You learn people care about me. This year I've learned more about how much people care about me than the years I played on tour.
Bureau Report