Roger Federer describes the influence Michael Chang & other greats had on his game | ESPN 30 for 30

Roger Federer describes the influence Michael Chang & other greats had on his game | ESPN 30 for 30
Roger Federer and others discuss the many skills that helped Michael Chang become a young tennis star.
"American Son" tells the story of Michael Chang’s improbable rise as a young American tennis star, including his 1989 French Open title at age 17. The 30 for 30 documentary premieres July 29 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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[@edidasa]

Chang is a legend

[@xav9258]

Really, in your head? The guy won one slam!🙃

[@txdang2009]

@@xav9258 3 other finals. how many players got as much success as he did given his size. he maximized his potential. he had no weapons like a big serve, forehand or backhand. he won with speed, smarts and heart

[@fruitchews11]

​@@txdang2009Lleyton Hewitt

[@tootspogsforever5590]

​@@xav9258 🤡🤡🤡

[@BOZ_11]

@@xav9258 listen, you statisticians need to lay off.

[@1ftsports678]

Michael Chang's greatest gift was his hunger. The guy wanted to win more than anyone.

[@AJ-iu6nw]

it's a shame that America didn't see him as a "True" American. Many probably still don't. Just look at the comments section of today's Olympics USA vs China mixed badminton video on NBC's youtube channel.

[@tootspogsforever5590]

​@@AJ-iu6nw it's called RACISM!!!😀😃

[@jamesrawlins735]

And his tenacity - he worked harder than anyone.

[@paulc7804]

I think when Chang won the French in 89, it opened the gate for the other up and coming U.S. men to believe they can win Grand Slams too. When Courier became Number 1, I think that was a driving force for Sampras to become Number 1. The greatness from that group of U.S. men and coming from the same generation may never happen again.

[@skatingcanuck9837]

"If you can't hit that shot...guess what? I'm gonna keep giving it to you. " God I love an underdog success story.

[@AJ-iu6nw]

he wasn't really an underdog, never was. Just an overdog hiding in underdog clothing.

[@brianlee1417]

what exactly was the shot...a deep heavy topspin ball to his backhand?

[@Ksmoove39]

Good to see a little doc on these four especially Chang

[@patrover]

When Michael Chang was in a match in the 90s, i knew I'd be watching a long match. What a legend!

[@reptongeek]

Not as long as John Isner! Remember his marathon with Nicholas Mahut. It was so long I joked on Twitter their next match up would finish 3 days later!

[@patrover]

@@reptongeek That's just one single match. Michael Chang would fight every single match.

[@anonymousanonymous-u9f]

So glad EspN did more interviews on Michael Chang. He is a legend!!

[@jeffhermida4788]

RF played against Sampras, Chang and Agassi. Amazing experience

[@Skama1975]

These guys were a pivotal point in tennis, I am glad Federer took the best things from them

[@knotwilg3596]

Chang will always be remembered for moonballing the scare out of Lendl. That was legendary.

[@pbc_03]

One of the greatest groups of American players ever.

[@alicemalt5099]

Michael Chang -French Open _ made me become a tennis fan

[@xtremevp12]

There are no accidental Open champions. Even Gaston Gaudio deserves the title of champion as he won 7 consecutive best of 5 set matches to earn his keep. Chang was indeed an incredible player. Fun to watch. Pete wasn't the most fun to watch, but he was certainly consistent in what he did. All these players, monsters among men. Respect.

[@NosseChibi]

Please release Chang’s 30 for 30.🙏🏽 It was supposed to be released early in 2024, but it got postponed for whatever reason. A Seattle film festival screened it, but I couldn’t make it.

[@howdy0000]

Finally out on 7/29 on ESPN!!

[@richyalexander9206]

ATP still using lawyers to block it

[@mtmt88]

@@richyalexander9206 Why is ATP blocking it?

[@spjfrat]

It’s on ESPN+ online. It’s a good watch.

[@juandixonformvp]

This is awesome, I had no idea a 30 for 30 on Chang was coming out, can't wait!

[@pjscafe]

Chang was amazing. He would battle every time he's out there.

[@prw8004]

I loved how back in the day Chang would very often thank God and his saviour Jesus Christ during his on court interviews after a big win. And he would say all glory goes to Him. He was not ashamed of the Gospel. Such a humble man and a great role model and champion 😊🙏🏽

[@JackDaker]

Sampras, Agassi, Chang, and Courier were the heyday of American men's tennis...the US have not peaked on the men's side since them

[@sk-un5jq]

Mac & Connors too

[@slam5]

I think it is rather that players from other countries had raised their game. I am sure US will rise again.

[@paiwanhan]

Michael was the reason I watched tennis at all.

[@wreck.create.MAK0]

chang was incredible- just his style and his body- it took alot out of him to play at that pace and keep up with players with much more power and height. but he was incredible. imagine iverson playing 1 on 1 against guys kobe s size- for years and years.

[@AJ-iu6nw]

that body though

[@nickthetoycollector3360]

Michael Chang was just super fun to watch.

[@mecontadmanboy7959]

My favorite player along with Jim Courier and then Federer !He deserved one more GS and to reach the N1 place😞

[@spjfrat]

I loved playing Los Angeles junior tournaments in early 80s. I was older but everyone knew the names: Chang, Sampras Tarango etc. They all did great.

[@martinchan9324]

happy this is finally coming out, the guy who directed it jay kang seems like a good dude

[@youngsuit]

people always deem chang as a grinder but the guy had serious game

[@PWCDN]

late 80's - 90's was peak tennis. So many young talents winning Grand Slams under the age of 18.

[@malpete]

I became a tennis fan cos of Michael Chang , then became a Pete Sampras fan and lastly a huge Nadal fan 😁

[@webtennis24]

Speed is one quality that all great tennis players have. It allows them to get to the ball early, cover the court quicker, and be in balance for every shot. While technique is certainly important, coaches should also emphasize drills that develop players' quickness and footwork.

[@richardchang5085]

Arthur Ashe pointed out in his book that Michael had speed and was a good thinker on the tennis court.

[@Fitennis60]

Fed speaks ….Listen 👏 Michael 💪Chang

[@EduardoEspinosa-j7c]

Angel Lopez from SD... Good to see you on this interview... Chang, Graff and so many other on your wall of fame in SD

[@blinksstayfresh2524]

Was lucky enough to grew up with my favs like Chang. Those were some good times

[@g.shumway5925]

Wimbledon used to start and finish earlier than it does now. I remember when Pete won his first Wimbledon in '93; he played fellow American Jim Courier in the final, and that Sunday fell on July 4th. Two American men in the final of Wimbledon (or any slam) on July 4th...seems surreal saying that out loud now.

[@mikemurphy8996]

Loved watching Michael Chang. I would always get sad when the U.S open was on though. It meant school was back from summer break in a couple weeks. LOL

[@WilliamBonney-gl2qf]

Michael Chang had some awesome Reebok Signature Shoes

[@hkizzle888]

i love the DNB music in the background when Chang appears in the interview!! Perfect choice

[@bentruongdds]

Chang was very successful in the junior circuit, qualify for the US Open at 15 was impressive, won Roland Garros at 17, youngest male grand slam champion, against big guns at the time, Edberg, Lendl... that record still hasn't been beaten. He just doesn't have the physics and powers to overcome the like of Becker, Sampras, Agassi...

[@RC-qf3mp]

The problem is the way the rackets and strings increasingly turned the mens’ game into more about power, which neutralizes the speed and technique of a player like Chang, who didn’t have a big serve. He could only have won a slam at the French b/c of the slower speed of the clay. But it’s not the ‘physics’ of Chang, it’s the physics of the racket/strings.

[@rangerscoach]

Such a great tennis era!!

[@freeguy3751]

The background music and timing of the clips and soundbites of everything makes this story so cool!

[@sk-un5jq]

Incredible speed and intelligence. He was in the wrong era with fast courts and big power players.

[@disturbia1378]

Love the tennis content ESPN!! ❤🎾

[@bondjapan]

I did not realize Chang was in a Grand Slam at 15.

[@asud2571]

He won it @ 16

[@robertbrescia3196]

Chang won the French Open in 1989 at 17.

[@WilliamBonney-gl2qf]

​@@robertbrescia3196so did Sanchez-Vicario...both 17 Reebok had a great ad campaign after both claimed victories at Roland Garros

[@aaronkengavar]

​@@WilliamBonney-gl2qfyeah. The ad said something like most 17 year olds go to Paris to study history. Chang and Arantxza go and make history.

[@WilliamBonney-gl2qf]

@@aaronkengavar Bingo!!! That's it

[@tonyrappa4611]

Insane chang

[@jlitt2917]

my friend in high school had the biggest crush on him. she would just daydream about him all the time. all of sudden, she became really into tennis. :-)

[@brianv29]

He still shows every now and then in Irvine (oc let’s go!)

[@LINJ638]

Come on...... That is all he got????

[@djnkosi]

This looks great. Can't wait! 🎾

[@vernelledouglas1801]

"Travels with mommy" almost floored me. Interesting stuff here.

[@pietrpiepir6444]

Pete smiling as a little kid though :)

[@willdelarosa9195]

Federer's new RF collection really resembles Michael Chang's racket in the 80s, I wonder if that was an inspiration for the vintage, classic color way.

[@TeamEmperor]

Great Video❤

[@TnsToad]

Nice comments from Fed, Saw him Crush Chang at the US open back in 02, He sliced and moved him around the court with medium pace, like a cat playing with a mouse! Left a 3rd set Seles match to get to Armstrong, got 2nd row baseline seats and was asked by a lady why we left a 3rd set match.... Easy answer.. Cause Seles got that match, and This Guy Beat Sampras at Wimbledon, He's going to be great.. I really didn't give him the Credit he earned, should have said he is going to be a GOAT! ALSO this was back in the Days of "Up all night at the USOpen! on USA" Way better coverage and excitement about the atmosphere than the talking heads at the press desk that is the coverage at the tournament today..

[@johnbarry5036]

oh man, Mike has a very nice house.

[@peterbedford2610]

Agassi took the ball super early. First time I saw it, I couldn't believe it.

[@EE-dn9og]

Wheres the rest? I started playing in 96 as a kid and remember them showing his underhand serve

[@zetristan4525]

Chang chang chang🎶

[@HusseinDoha]

It’s not about being 5’8 , he was also skinny 150 pounds in weight! Not your typical tennis player!

[@johnjambo1]

Really wamt to watch this full doc! For some reason ESPN have made watching 30 for 30 so difficult in the UK

[@captainspirou]

Nadal’s game is pretty much an upgraded version of Chang’s.

[@kaykayeffemm1828]

Chang 15y 6m 10d isn't the youngest male player to win a match at US Open. Vinnie Richards did it in 1918 at 15y 5m 7d.

[@BernardManansala]

Idolized MC back in high school. Tried to emulate his style cuz I was also a shorter player.

[@kdiggity1]

@1:41 OMG, those looked Hulk legs.

[@GLL11]

Michael Chang Asian American GOAT!

[@lszujo]

Chang was great....but against Pete it was a bad matchup for him...against Agassi he couldn't do much, he was the same type of player like him but Andre did everything a little better

[@jjpark1989]

Does anyone else see Joaquin Phoenix when they see Roger?

[@evansutton6760]

How about another joke Andy Murray?

[@thekidfromcleveland3944]

​@@evansutton6760 nah too square chinned

[@karanvinod2593]

No

[@luciusfucius]

I do now 😅

[@shrirajmukherjee]

2 words for you, okay 3: Google Arbaaz Khan

[@juliotorreslara4432]

Does anyone know the author of the electronic background music?.... It's great...

[@WilliamBonney-gl2qf]

DNB Music...according to one of the comment peeps

[@juliotorreslara4432]

@@WilliamBonney-gl2qf Thank you!

[@djones1234567654321]

Complete longshot lol, does anyone know the name of the House track that was playing around 30 minutes in when Michael was coming up? It was so good but shazam wouldnt work

[@frankratnasamy8737]

Anyone know the name of this documentary?

[@WilliamBonney-gl2qf]

ESPN: 30 For 30 "America's Son"

[@K4R3N]

More tennis content, MORE

[@MikeSmith-go8wk]

Michael Chang had the asian calf muscle gene

[@IMP3TIGO]

"Ah GAH see" lol

[@squareyesj7170]

Where is the rest? You only give us 4mins? That is really mean.

[@clk76]

Chang had guts...and those friggin huge legs.. James Blake and even no hoper/achiever Justin Gimmlestob got bigger send offs at the US Open than Michael Chang and they achieved nothing...we know why unfortunately.

[@graymcmic1419]

Why?

[@Leonn3rd]

@clk76 asian?

[@xtremevp12]

No worries mate. The people will remember Chang whereas Blake and Gimmelstob faded. I like them both actually, but Chang was special. If you ever liked rooting for under dogs, he was fun to root for.

[@redbunnytail9528]

I remember, if player give Chang a drop shot and he far away, just before he commit to chase down ball, he 'exhale' in this distinct way, give himself a boost, and he get there or not. But. It appear to me, that Chang love that super sprint part of point, cuz only HE the one commit to run down a shot, like that. I seen a LOT of Michael Chang match. I got to see this group of player, as TV viewer, and they no disappoint, ever, in term of excitement. Love hear the same determination/intelligence, come from Chang, himself, in 2024. on topic of how to focus on opponent weakness. Chang win French Open when he 17. Tiananmen Square thing happening. But. I hoping Edberg win. Chang have this speech at trophy presentation. Edberg say something like, well, I have no speech. That a pretty cool 2 week for Chang.

[@ShamDiscTV5K]

indeed, Pete Sampras has the best serve in history.

[@nurasarun]

Lendl was so brutal… Could have given a guy 1 game. 4:26

[@spjfrat]

After watching him all through the 80s, that score was not surprising. Good catch.

[@MR-bq1cy]

Chang was amazing. Pity he didn’t grow much would have won a lot more. Was just too small and had to stand way too far back as the game got more powerful

[@CrosbyStill]

I think michaels bad choice was to have his brother as his coach..

[@Antigegner]

0:33 - Daemon Targaryen

[@quentincrisp6933]

"Speed" only applies to when you are 8 feet behind the baseline & you're dropped shot. That happens invariably ! Quickness & foot work is way more valuable. Speed is only really measured 40 yds to 100 yds. (meters) Federer had arguably the best quickness in tennis!

[@bonzwah1]

and Chang had it all. only thing he didn't have was power. but he was undoubtedly the "quickest" player on tour during his prime. I'm actually pretty confident that several of the taller guys could have beaten Chang in a straight line foot race. The longer legs make for more efficient strides, after all. what set Chang apart was his fast recovery (changing directions), his balance, his first step after reading the ball.

[@sara.cbc92]

Roger didn't even mention Chang. This is click bait.

[@eric2892]

Did he not call him “Michael” - first name only?

[@Gabriel-lm7jw]

Sad Chang didn’t make #1 in world

[@OshoLee]

ESPN made a list of the best tennis players and put Federer over Djokovic Lmao 🤣 Sad journalism

[@Rkz-rv7ys]

❤

[@svlagonda7417]

Why wasn't he able to win anything else after the French?

[@soldatdeleternel453]

My child, don't forget that I am with you in all your difficulties, I never leave you! Just stay by my side...in prayer | From Jesus to you | Today, the Lord still tells you that He is there, even if you don't see it, even if you don't feel it. Jesus is your protector and support! Yes, Invoke Him, entrust your sorrows to Him, live EVERYTHING with Him! And you will see, his Peace will invade you... Please like, share and subscribe, bless you all!!

[@napzzz944]

Anybody know the songs in the background of the video?

[@lillyv9430]

Use soundhound

[@TimwongTimwong]

You don't see any 5.8 nowadays

[@slam5]

Well, Fed had played Chang and beat him.

[@kingarthurusatenniscoach1415]

agassi chang courier all limited,,, sampras had the complete game ,,, he should won the french... his game plan may have been wrong for clay

[@robfirestone6158]

That’s not Federer lol

[@xav9258]

I don't think Chang is a tennis great, as he only won one slam. However, more importantly, seems like a good bloke though.

[@SonateSonate]

Of course he's a tennis great. Youngest grand slam winner ever, reached AO, FO & USO finals, 34 titles tally, one victory away from #1 spot...

[@tootspogsforever5590]

Ok casual 🤡🤡🤡!!! 😀😃

[@graymcmic1419]

Chang? Really?

[@Kalernor]

What's the problem?

[@tootspogsforever5590]

Your mom?!! Really??!!😀😃

[@graymcmic1419]

@@tootspogsforever5590 I bet you still live with yours.

[@travisbickle5279]

GOOD NEWS FOR ALL THE FEDERER FANS WE HAVE A NEW WEAK ERA CHAMP Since november 2023 is the greatest strong era over in tennis when novak gets old and injury. NOW WE have a new weak era champ with alcaraz who gets destroys from grandpa djokovic in 2023. AND the best thing is that alcaraz said before a couple weeks that he was last year playing better tennis then this year AND THE RESULTS was last year= grandpa GOATkovic won 3 grandslam + the atp finals and a 3-1 h2h against alcaraz. Now wonder that the new weak era champ carlos dominate the gslams this year when novak get injury and old .............

[@antigravitytea]

Didn't Alcaraz just beat Novak at Wimbledon?

[@travisbickle5279]

@@antigravitytea old djokovic

[@antigravitytea]

@@travisbickle5279 Well, no one has a time machine. That is a weird mindset. This isn't a video game where you get to pick players all in their prime and see who wins. Grow up.

[@jikan-tabi-1888]

@@travisbickle5279 Father time is about to push out old man djo. 2024 will be remembered as a truly sad year for novak. Btw, Father time is undefeated. And it's time for the most complete 21yo men's singles player (Alcaraz) to assert his dominance on the tour. A new era has finally arrived.

[@GabrielGardner-wx2ph]

@@antigravityteahe’s spam copy and pasting the same comment he’s a weasel, I wouldn’t try to seriously engage with him

[@bojack3827]

He needs to go to a proper hairdresser.

[@WilliamBonney-gl2qf]

I was gonna comment on that...Dude looked like a skinnier version of Chairman Mao

[@tootspogsforever5590]

Your mom needs to go a hairdresser!! 😀😃

[@tdtdtd1826]

Enough of this guy

[@tootspogsforever5590]

Don't be too hard on yourself kid!!😀😃

[@tennisfan599]

Never a fan of Federer. Too arrogant and his game was boring to watch. But he knows his history.

[@roninihanini]

😂😂

[@MicroCheese64]

There’s calling fed not the goat and then there’s this opinion AHAHAHHAAHHA

[@pencilcheck]

Never a fan of [INSERT PLAYER NAME]. Too arrogant and his game was boring to watch. But he knows his history.

[@wozmac771]

Edit: I sincerely apologize to the Chang fans below. If you cannot understand the context of a particular comment, please don't go ranting. I still do believe he was one of the worst if not the worst player ever, not because of his talent, but because of his tactics. And even more sad is the fact that no one noticed anything beyond my first line. I also pointed Jon's hypocrisy in segmenting the players, and Gilbert's incapability to understand the complete game and his obsession with speed despite coaching Agassi, Roddick and Gauff. I am glad he and Gauff have parted ways. Otherwise she was going on the same trajectory as Roddick. Come on! Please! Chang was the worst player ever! And of course, Jon Wertheim has to dissect his ethnicity. I was only amazed that he could return some of the Sampras or Agassi shots. I think Gilbert is blinded by speed, if Chang was that great why could he not win any more Grand Slams? And can someone tell this old tennis player, that speed is required even if you are 6 10 otherwise you can't get to the ball.

[@quesee08]

Show me a player in mens tennis that stand 5'9" and below that won a GS tournament

[@antigravitytea]

@@quesee08 Olivier Rochus, Belgian player is 5'6" and won the 2004 French Open doubles title with Xavier Malisse. He holds the record for shortest height on the ATP World Tour.

[@quesee08]

@@antigravitytea Doubles LOL...try again

[@michaelp9061]

@@antigravityteayou do realize doubles and singles are entirely different right ?

[@sunset3052]

@@quesee08 🤣🤣🤣