#AAPI #Tennis #ESPN

I just watched ESPN's #30for30 documentary on the tennis career of #MichaelChang, who won the #FrenchOpen at age 17 by beating Ivan Lendl (the #1 rated male tennis player at the time) in the 4th round en route to winning the tournament.

Chang became the 1st Asian American sports icon (long before #JeremyLin) & the documentary provides some important insights into his rise to fame as a professional tennis player. like the letter of advice he received from #ArthurAshe when he decided to turn pro at just 15.

Chang played when other legendary players like, Agassi, Sampras, Becker, McEnroe & Federer were also on the scene.

Tough competition.

Nonetheless, Chang has a 662-312 career record with 34 career titles & a Davis Cup win to his credit & was elected to the International Tennis HOF in 2008.

Chang became very popular in China in the 90's & is credited w/helping to spread the popularity of the game & the playing of professional tennis tournaments in Asia.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/tennis/2024/07/29/michael-chang-espn-documentary-asian-american/74492946007/