PARIS – Thirty-five years later, Michael Chang’s underdog run to the 1989 French Open title is still one of the best stories in sports.
It was historic. Chang was and remains the youngest man to win a Grand Slam singles title. He was 17 years and 109 days old when he defeated Stefan Edberg in five sets in the final.
It was dramatic. Chang, seeded 15th but still such a long shot, overcame cramps and a two-set deficit to upset No. 1 Ivan Lendl in the fourth round with help from the first and only underhand serve of his pro career and some desperation moonballs but above all with help from his own talent and grit. “If they play that match 20 times, Michael wins it once,” Chang’s coach Jose Higueras told me. Chang, taking strength from his deep religious faith, then somehow kept it together to win three more matches against his elders.
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