Notable Quotables

"You guys don't need to worry about your jobs."--Chang in Los Angeles, on whether he would eventually join the retired Jim Courier in the media. (July 2000)

"I think I'm aging by the day in New Zealand." - Michael after his first two rounds in the Auckland tournament lasted three sets. He eventually reached the finals, playing three-setters in every single match. (Jan. 2000)

"I have four goals left. That is to be No. 1 and win the remaining Grand Slams." (1999)

"It makes me feel old." - when told Cecil Mamiit, 22, looks up to him as a sport hero. Mamiit defeated Michael in the San Jose semifinals to reach his first career ATP Tour singles final (Feb. 1999)

"My biggest opponent has been the injuries. It's a little bit new for me. Maybe it has to do with El Nino or something." - on this year, prior to which Michael had been fairly free of injuries, July 21, 1998, Washington DC

"I'm still flirting with No. 1. It just so happens that I have a two behind the one.'' - on his slump and #12 ranking, Apr. 26, 1998, Orlando

"He's more than a brother to me, almost like a semi-father." - on the role that Carl plays in his life, Tennis, May 1998

"Sure, I'll write a book about marriage. I really know what I'm talking about." - joking the day before Valentine's Day, 1998

On how frustrating it must be to play against himself: "I'm not real sure, because I don't have to deal with it." - Feb. 21, 1998, Memphis

Michael reflects on Princess Diana of Wales: (excerpt from Aug. 31, 1997 interview, US Open)

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"I was actually fortunate enough to meet her on a couple occasions. I think obviously today is a very sad day. Actually, I heard about it last night and didn't sleep all that great, you know, thinking about her and the situation and stuff.

" I did actually get a chance to meet her in '89 just before Wimbledon, and actually got a chance to meet her again last year in Hong Kong when she came out to watch the final.

" It was actually kind of nice, because in '89 I got a chance to sit down and watch a match with her, got a chance to talk with her a little bit.

" I think she was just a lovely lady. She's got the bluest eyes. That was something that kind of struck me a little bit.

" At first when I got asked to meet her, to sit next to her, at 17, I was like, "No, no." I was so intimidated to meet her.

" When I finally did get a chance to meet her and sit down and talk with her and stuff, it was really a thrill.

" I think today is something that, I don't know about everybody else, but I almost feel two emotions. You feel very sad that something like this happens, and at the same time, you feel a lot of anger inside, just the situation surrounding it and stuff.

" But all the things in my experience, having met her and stuff, obviously she always carried herself very well and was just really a lovely lady."
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''I don't know whether they take a friendly course or what,'' referring to the ballkids at the Orlando tournament, April 1997. (Hey, I think we Legg Mason kids were pretty friendly too, probably even more so...ha ha ha)

Commenting on his junior peers, whom Michael used to tower over in terms of height: ''All of a sudden, it was like, 'Wow!' Everyone took off...I thought I drank enough milk.'' (Michael, you're Asian. Heck, 5'9" for an Asian guy is pretty tall already. What did you put in your rice? ;D)

``All of the Spaniards are really talented. I don't know what they eat.'' - after narrowly avoiding an upset by Spaniard Juan Albert Viloca in the 2nd round of the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships (April 24, 1997)

Michael about U.S. golfer Tiger Woods, who at age 21 was the youngest to win The Masters: ``He is quite incredible - it made me think a bit about me winning the French Open at 17 and how professionals accomplish things so young. I had the feeling Tiger Woods did not quite know what was going on and it was like that for me at the French. It was only afterwards that I realised the significance.'' (April 14, 1997)

Sybase Open website Quote of the Day (Feb. 14, 1997): "Hopefully better than Valentine's Day." - responding to a reporter who asked -- after his upset loss to Rusedski in the Sybase Open -- how he will celebrate his upcoming birthday (Feb. 22).

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try, try, try again." - responding to a suggestion that he has come close to winning big events before but has fallen short (Jan. 12, 1997).

Quotes from ace Magazine, November 1996, London:
About having Carl as a coach: "Growing up, he was better than I was, bigger, stronger. That was great for me. I actually think he could make it [as a pro] if he really wanted to, but he's happy where he is. He has fun periodically qualifying and we have played doubles together in quite a few tournaments. Carl is very creative, and I tend to be conservative. I need to be a little more open-minded, and sometimes he needs to listen to my side. But as he has a degree in political economy, I don't win any arguments." :o)
About having the opportunity to watch a dissection, since Michael at one point was interested in entering the biological/medical field: "I opened that door and saw that leg kind of just hanging out. Then the smell and stuff, it was too much! [probably the formaldehyde] They say after a week you're okay, but I don't think so."
About TV: "There is never any time for regular TV shows when you're on the road, so I'm not too into the telvision when I get time off. I enjoy Harrison Ford movies, though."
About eating: "I go through some stages, like I had a Cheetos phase not so long ago, but not too many bad eating habits."

"I'm a competitive person and it is in my nature to try hard in every match I play. The only time I'm not competitive is when I'm playing against my mom." - Jan. 9, 1997

"I wanna be like Mike!' chrips a young fan. "How can I be Number Two [in the world] like you?"
Michael's response? "We're both good-looking, we have the same skin color, and we even have the same shoes on!" (8 Days Magazine--October 1996, The Athlete's Foot Store at Suntec City to launch Reebok's newest Vix Hex Collection)

"I used to play the piano and I sing a little, but no, I'm not singing for you today!" a blushing and embarrassed Chang 'fesses up to a hooting crowd. (8 Days Magazine--October 1996, The Athlete's Foot Store at Suntec City to launch Reebok's newest Vix Hex Collection)

"Unless, of course, you play an American." - after wishing finalist Wayne Ferreira good luck at the Atlanta Olympics during the Legg Mason acceptance speech, July 21, 1996

"Am I turning red now?" - reacting to a question during the on-court post-match interview by a fan about his "great legs," July 20, 1996

"That doesn't really bother me, and I'll tell you. That kind of thing fuels me, you know? If you are able to go out and accomplish certain things, then people can't say things anymore. It kind of pumps you up a little bit." - in response to the statement that he cannot be considered as a serious competitor because of his short stature (February 1996)

"I think that I would rather grow racquet-wise than grow taller. I think I would be a lot slower if I got taller. So I wouldn't want to give up that." - September 1995

"I like my haircut better." - when asked for his opinion of Andre Agassi's bald look.

"She looks good." - when asked to comment about meeting (the late) Princess Diana at the 1995 Salem Open in Hong Kong.

"As long as there's pasta and Chinese food in the world, I'm okay." - April 1994

"He can't cook." - when asked to list Pete Sampras's weaknesses.

"I'm not into birthdays. All it means is that people will quit writing, "Michael Chang, comma, 16" and just write, "Michael Chang, comma, from Placentia, CA." When you're 16, everything's a big deal. When you're 17 in the tour, you're just another opponent." - explaining why he didn't celebrate his 17th birthday with a party (1989)

For more of Michael's indelible quotes, please check the interviews section.

What Others Say About Michael:

Magnus Norman: "...he's a very good player. There's no doubt about that. Hopefully he'll come back because he's a great guy....He's one of the main legends of the sport, and I am just happy to be on the same court with him." - after defeating Michael in a close three-set match in the 2000 Heineken Open finals in Auckland, New Zealand

Spanish up-and-comer Juan Balcells: "...Michael is one of the best, he is one of the great players in the game and he is a legend." - after losing to Michael at the Heineken Open in Auckland (Jan. 2000)

Andre Agassi: "There's a wonderful, important place in the world for people like Michael, who declare their beliefs and spread the word...I do admire the way Michael engages [Christianity], and the way he comes from a very sincere place. His faith gives him passion, stability, and a sense of security. I don't think he feels forced or obliged to talk or act the way he does, and that's why he doesn't do any damage talking about his beliefs. He's arrived at a specific place, and the way he shows his faith reflects that." - Tennis, March 1999

Tom Gullikson, U.S. Davis Cup coach: "I think a lot of people would like to see Michael win another Slam. I know I would." - Tennis, May 1998

Pancho Segura, former coach: "It's questionable if Michael can win another Slam...He's done so much to get better. But tell me, can his forehand get better? Can his backhand get better? Can he serve bigger? Can he attack with more pace? I don't know, I just don't know. But I'll tell you: Nothing would make me happier." - Tennis, May 1998

Andre Agassi: "Years ago I said I'd be shocked if Michael could stay in the top level. He has to work so hard. But this guy can never be counted out. He'll always be a factor. He's made me a believer." - Tennis, May 1998

Joe Chang: "When Michael won [the French Open], he was a boy, and it all came so quick. Now, he has worked so hard. He has become so much better, and I know he'd like to win another Grand Slam as a man." - Tennis, May 1998

Ion Tiriac: "Michael is one of the most beautiful and most caring people I have ever met." - November 14 1997, live on Eurosport during ATP Championships, in response to a question by commentator Heinz Gunthardt

Andre Agassi, about Pete's and Michael's declining of competing in the Davis Cup: "It is disappointing (not having them here). For the country, we should have the best guys playing. I know Pete is injured right now, but I think Michael should be here. I don't know why he's not here. He has proven himself for the last several years how good he is, and he should be giving more to Davis Cup."
Told that Chang had commercial commitments in Hong Kong, Agassi said: "Film your commercial here, but play Davis Cup. If you are asked to play, you have got to play. You can't just decline it." (April 1997)

Todd Woodbridge: "[Michael] has always looked for ways to improve his game and I think he is a good role model for anybody to keep looking at to try to get the best out of yourself."

Carlos Moya, before his semifinal against Michael in the '97 Australian Open: "I think I have to be aggressive...Chang doesn't make stupid errors." (January 1997)

Wayne Ferreira: "Chang is mentally probably the toughest player on the men's circuit. He never gives up and runs down every shot you throw at him." (December 1996)

Jason Stoltenberg, on his toughest opponent: "I don't think I fear any player, but if I can think of a player who's given me the hardest time, it's probably Chang. He doesn't give you any breathing time. He puts so much pressure on you. He never says die. You can have him down and he'll come back and fight to the end." (November 1996)

Andre Agassi, about Michael's playing style, prior to getting whipped by Michael in the US Open semis: "He's a pain in the @$$, to be quite honest." (September 1996)

Geoff Grant: "If you're a batter, and you never see a 100 mile-per-hour fastball, you don't know what it's like. Now I do." (after losing to Michael in the 2nd round of the Legg Mason, July 1996)

(the late) Princess Diana: "I love his American accent." (April 1995)

Amanda Coetzer: "You see people get bigger and bigger and the game has gotten more powerful, but you just have to compensate by moving better and things like that...Michael Chang is very clever and moves very well and uses that to compensate for his lack of size."

Jim Courier: "You have to play your best tennis to beat him."

Stefan Edberg: "Chang never, ever gives up."

Pete Sampras, reacting to Brad Gilbert's assessment that no one under 6' tall could win a Grand Slam: "If anyone can do it, Chang can. I think he has a lot of guts."