Sat Jul 12 19:38:21 2008

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Chang enters Tennis Hall of Fame

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Newport, RI (Sports Network) - Former French Open champion Michael Chang was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.

Chang, one of only three American men to capture the French Open singles title in the Open Era, burst onto the tennis scene by winning the 1989 singles title at Roland Garros, a title that hadn't been claimed by an American male in 34 years. His two-week run was highlighted by defeating world No. 1 Ivan Lendl in five sets in the fourth round and Stefan Edberg in five more sets in the final.

After turning pro in 1988, Chang won his lone major title at a mere 17 years, 3 months, as he still holds the record as youngest male singles champion to prevail at Roland Garros.

"I think any generation that follows our generation its tough to compete," Chang said. "As an athlete, I used my speed, agility and quickness to go out and play against the big guys."

In a career spanning 16 years, Chang reached a career-high world ranking of No. 2 and was ranked in the Top 10 for seven years. He captured 34 singles titles, while finishing as a runner-up on 24 other occasions.

Chang was a finalist at the 1996 Australian Open and a semifinalist there in 1995 and 1997. And in addition to his Roland Garros win in 1989, he also reached the French finale in 1995.

"For me, I think the Lord wanted me to win to put a smile on Chinese peoples faces," Chang said.

The now 36-year-old Chang played in the 1996 U.S. Open final and went as far as the semis in New York in 1992 and 1997. He also played on the U.S. Davis Cup championship team in 1990.

The gritty star was known for his quick feet, tireless two-handed backhand and abundant energy.

Chang was joined in the Hall this year by contributors Mark McCormack and Gene Scott, both of whom passed away this decade.

McCormack, who died at the age of 72 in 2003, was a legendary sports executive and founder of International Management Group (IMG), while Scott, a well-known player, writer, editor and entrepreneur, was the founder and publisher of the national tennis magazine, Tennis Week. Scott, who passed away at the age of 68 in 2006, was also one of the television analysts for the famed "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs back in 1973.

Since its establishment in 1954, the Hall of Fame now honors 207 people representing 18 countries, including this newest class.