MICHAEL CHANG QUOTES – COURTESY OF POWERSHARES SERIES TENNIS CIRCUIT

Written by: Staff on 12th January 2014

Michael Chang of the US speaks to the crowd with his brother and coach Carl Chang behind him

MICHAEL CHANG QUOTES - COURTESY OF POWERSHARES SERIES TENNIS CIRCUIT

Michael Chang of the US speaks to the crowd with his brother and coach Carl Chang (R) behind him during a retirement ceremony, 04 September 2003 at the US Open in Flushing Meadows, NY. EPA PHOTO/EPA/Rhona WISE// |

Editors Note: The Powershares events are really terrific. The guys are playing a high level of tennis and are having fun doing it. Please check their website. If they are playing within 100 miles of where you live try and catch the action.

The following are questions and quotes from Michael Chang, courtesy of the PowerShares Series tennis circuit, where Michael will compete in the opening two events – Kansas City on Feb. 5 at the Sprint Center, Oklahoma City at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on Feb. 6 – and in the closing event on March 21 in Surprise, Ariz. For more information on the PowerShares Series, go to www.PowerSharesSeriesTennis.com.

Tell us your thoughts about the Australian Open field for this year and a little about how you think it might play out?

I think one of the topics this first week will be about how hot it’s expected to get! With two days reaching almost 100 degrees and another over 100 degrees, it’s sure to affect some of the longer matches out there! Results wise, Novak has done so well here that it’s hard to not pick him as the favorite but Rafa also didn’t play last year so it’ll be an exciting tournament for both the men and women.

What are your thoughts about the recent trend of legend tennis champions returning to the ATP World Tour in the roles of coaches?

I personally think that players are just looking for an edge somewhere. I can tell you that most likely, none of the legends coaches were looking for a coaching position as almost all of them are still playing their own Champion’s Tour events around the world, including me. I do think that all of these legends have a lot to offer since they all have experienced so much in their career. It does add an extra element of intrigue to the men’s side though, that’s for sure!

Which recent relationship surprises you the most? Becker-Djokovic? Edberg-Federer? Lendl-Murray?

Becker-Djokovic surprises me the most.

What is your motivation for becoming a coach and working with Kei Nishikori?

My motivation really comes from having the opportunity to work with another Asian male player who is almost on the brink of breaking through to the top 10. There are very few Asian men who have reached this high and I feel like it’s a unique opportunity to help another Asian get to the highest level.

Do you think that current players may respect more what “legend” players will tell them to do on the court as coaches because of their track records of success?

I think that’s only natural. I was the same way growing up. If I knew my coach had the experience and know how, it would always make it easier to trust what he said.

How will working with Kei help you in your tune-ups for playing on the PowerShares Series events in Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Surprise, Arizona?

Well, I’m assuming that if I can play well against Kei, I’ll be more than ready for the PowerShares Series in all three of those cities! It’s been good so far and I hope I can take some of our on court work together onto the playing court when I compete.

Talk about playing against Jim Courier in KC and OKC? He is going to be coming in a week after practicing with the U.S. Davis Cup team….

I think it’ll be similar in many ways to me training with Kei so I’m looking forward to it. Jim always comes to play and we always have tough matches against one another. I expect the same in KC and OKC!

Talk about your rivalry with Jim through the years? As well as the golden era of American tennis (you, Jim, Andre and Pete and Todd and Mal)

Jim and I have had a great rivalry from our junior days to our professional days and now on the PowerShares Series tour. It’s been tough and fun at the same time but that’s what tennis at the highest level is all about! The golden era of American tennis is a great example of that and I think all the guys will tell you that it was very special to be a part of this group and class of players! I could be wrong, but I don’t think it will ever be matched again.

Topics: 10sballs, Andy Murray, Atp World Tour, Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier, Kei Nishikori, Michael Chang, Novak Djokovic, PowerShares, Roger Federer, Sports, Stefan Edberg, Tennis, Tennis News