Michael Chang Interview

[Moxie]

Given how there's so much talk of the courts slowing down over the years (despite some denying this), how does he actually see it compared to when he was on tour? Since he played in an era when they definitely played faster he can vouch that today's predominantly baseline oriented game is a lot different so it'd be nice to hear his thoughts on court speed changes since then.

Edit: I see Moxie already touched on that so sorry for not seeing that first but it's definitely something I'd like to hear about and probably many others too.

No, I think it's good to reiterate what you think are good questions so BB can prioritize them.

Given how there's so much talk of the courts slowing down over the years (despite some denying this)

It's actually those who claim this who are unable to provide any proof. Wimbledon has been slowed down. We know that because it's a fact. Everyone acknowledges it. But how is the AO slowed down, or especially, the US Open?

The Australian Open is a medium paced court. Just compare it to say, Indian Wells and notice the difference.

The courts have been slowed down in two ways: Grass has been slowed down, and indoor carpet has been removed (really unfortunate IMO). Everything else is pretty much intact. What people don't understand is that they watch the US Open in a year like say, 2011, and see the courts playing slow, and immediately yell "courts have been slowed down!" when in fact, the ball change was what really slowed things down that year. What they conveniently ignore is the courts playing lightning fast the previous year, as well as this year. Ironically, the winner was, erm... Nadal.

Go back to the beginning of this US Open, and see everyone commenting on how fasts the courts were playing.

That's why it's an interesting question, IMO, because the question would be firstly IF he thinks they have. It would be good to hear from a player who retired only about 10 years ago.

It absolutely is an interesting question. I was merely responding to the "some continue to deny it" part.

Yes I understood that, Broken. That's why I said it would be interesting to ask a former player firstly IF he thinks they have, and then, if so, the implications for the game, positive and negative.

 

[Riotbeard]

What about the issue of height in today's game vs. when he played? What does he suggest for guys like nishikori (I believe Chang was his childhood hero), and their chance of breaking through at the slam level? If yes, what would he advise them to do to their games to compete with the big hitters at the top of the game?

Oh yeah, and great get BB!

 

[scoop]

if you still need questions, how about Does Michael believe if he was a player in this era does he think he would have won a major and achieved #2 in the ATP rankings?

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Should we credit him or Rios for the jumping double hander? I think Scoop wrote about that issue while back...

 

[Kieran]

Hi guys,

Michael Chang has agreed to do an interview with the Tennis Frontier, so rather than simply asking him questions myself, I thought people could submit their own questions here and I'll ask them on your behalf.

I'll keep it down to around 10 in total so maybe won't be able to accommodate everybody but stick your questions down on this thread and I'll do my best.

You're incredible, brother, you're really making this forum one of great range and brilliant surprises. Fair play to ya! :hug

 

[Ricardo]

This is just great BB, Chang is a smart guy and i look forward to some very insightful responses.

 

[Denis]

Hi BB, potential questions (sorry if I am mentioning stuff again):

- what does he think of the mental aspect of the game today and does he think players can still be 'manipulated' by others?
- if so, how?
- related: does he think the slowing down of the game outside actual play is an intentional mindgame towards other players or something else? im referring in particular to the towelling off standoff between players.
- does he like today's game? what kind of changes would he make if any?
- who is his current favorite player and why?
- what is his current favorite GS?
- who is the GOAT according to him?
- does he have any ambitions within the world of tennis?
- who did he like to play the most? who did he dislike to play the most? why?

 

[tented]

Hi BB, potential questions (sorry if I am mentioning stuff again):

- what does he think of the mental aspect of the game today and does he think players can still be 'manipulated' by others?
- if so, how?
- related: does he think the slowing down of the game outside actual play is an intentional mindgame towards other players or something else? im referring in particular to the towelling off standoff between players.
- does he like today's game? what kind of changes would he make if any?
- who is his current favorite player and why?
- what is his current favorite GS?
- who is the GOAT according to him?
- does he have any ambitions within the world of tennis?
- who did he like to play the most? who did he dislike to play the most? why?

I like your list a lot, Denisovich. Thanks for submitting them.

 

[Iona16]

If you had to coach one player in the game today who would it be and why? What do you think you could bring to their game?

 

[britbox]

Thanks for everyone's contribution. I'll get the questions put together and put them to Michael.