EARLIER THIS MONTH: Michael won his first tournament since Oct. 1998, the Mercedes-Benz Cup in Los Angeles! He was reportedly quite emotional during his acceptance speech. Earlier in the week, he participated in a charity doubles event Monday night with Mark Philippoussis, Dennis Miller and Dustin Hoffman. In his next tournament, a Masters Series event in Toronto, he bowed out in the second round.

A CHANCE TO CARRY THE STARS AND STRIPES: Michael had been asked to join the Davis Cup team for their tie against Spain but turned it down because the Chang Foundation camp took place that week. But Michael has a second chance to play for the U.S. after it was revealed that he was named to the U.S. Olympic team along with Pete Sampras (who declined - Jeff Tarango will take his place), Andre Agassi and Todd Martin. (For more details, check the July 6 news link below.) It has been confirmed that Michael WILL play for the U.S. in Sydney! He acknowledged that while his experience in Barcelona hadn't been stellar - he suffered a stomach virus during his second round - he knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that he did not want to miss.