mht's Full Review: Holding Serve: Persevering on and off the Court Bo...
The youngest Grand Slam champion in men's tennis history, Michael Chang won the French Open in perhaps the most dramatic run ever on the heavy, red clay of Roland Garros. This book gives more details of that unprecedented run, delves into his personal & family life, and shares about his life in tennis in a candid way that invites the reader into his world.
The Serve Seen 'Round the World
Cramping badly after being down two sets to love against the #1 player in the world, most people didn't think that 17 year old Michael Chang had a chance against Ivan Lendl in the Round of 16 of the French Open. At a critical juncture of the match, Chang, for the only time during his pro tennis career, served an underhand squib serve--and then won that point. Along with marching up to the service line on match point and inducing a double fault, these two points were plastered all over highlight reels of this David beats Goliath victory.
After this victory, Chang had to win tough quarterfinal, semifinal and final victories--while battling horrendous cramps. While I knew the cramping was rough, I didn't realize until reading this book that they were all over his body. Also, treatments for cramps have since improved greatly.
It was a nice touch to read about how his brother and dad were given last minute tickets by the U.S. tennis development program to fly to Paris and witness the finals firsthand. The visa problems seemed difficult to overcome but like a storybook, it all worked out for them to fly.
The book gives dramatic details of the matches along with the human drama dimensions of this fortnight run that made Chang the youngest Grand Slam winner in men's pro tennis history. The Grand Slam tournaments in tennis are: Wimbledon, the French Open, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. Chang also broke an over forty year drought for an American man to win the French Open (the last before him being Tony Trabert). Interestingly enough, Trabert was one of the few people who thought that Chang could do it.
Upon his victory, Chang thanked various people, but reserved his highest gratitude for Jesus, "without whom I am nothing". Chang believes that God gave him the strength to persevere through the intense pain from the cramps. After returning home, Chang describes a very hospitable celebration that his home church (which was actually founded by his grandfather) threw for him.
Growing Up
Chang initially grew up in Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes. However, the snowy weather and the lesser competition for the Chang brothers persauded Joe & Betty Chang to uproot and take their kids to southern California.
While in SoCal, Carl & Michael played against the likes of Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras. The book tells a lighthearted story of Pete coming over for spaghetti at the Changs and rather than partaking of Betty Chang's homemade sauce, which was full of savory ingredients, going for the generic Ragu instead.
He also writes about how he used to hate going to church, would try to avoid going as much as possible, and would sleep through what was taught. Reading a student study Bible given to him by his grandmother ended up transforming his point of view, and encouraged the faith that later developed.
Moving Up the Ranks
Carl actually shone first--perhaps partially as a function of being older and the one who would get the tennis lessons. You see, the Changs couldn't afford to give both their sons lessons at first, so Michael and his dad would watch Carl's lessons, his dad would take notes, and then teach Michael what was taught during Carl's lesson.
It didn't take long for Michael to start winning. He moved up the different age groups (12's, 14's, 16's, 18's) precociously until eventually, he was at the top of the 18's for the entire U.S. at the age of 15. The Chang family scrapped and scraped to pull together the resources for Carl & Michael to fly to the national tournaments and cover all the other costs of their sons' tennis careers.
Turning Pro
While Carl won a tennis scholarship to Berkeley, Michael was debating between a tennis scholarship at Pepperdine vs. turning pro. After the Chang family had one of its usual all-family deliberations, it was agreed that Michael should go for the pros. Pepperdine's loss was the ATP tour's gain.
Highlights & Challenges
Michael was the youngest player ever to win a match at the U.S. Open at the age of 15. I actually got to see him play live in person at the first pro tournament he won, then called the Transamerica Open. Chang's speed, consistency, smarts and toughness were a marvel to behold. Since Chang is only a couple of years older than me, it was astonishing to see someone around my age beating fully grown pro men. While I did beat a number of players who went on to Top 50 NCAA Division I and U.S. rankings, I knew then and know now that Chang's success was quantum leaps above the best of what I ever attained.
Chang made it to a couple finals of the U.S. Open and was on the brink of the #1 ranking when he fell to his childhood rival Pete Sampras during one of his finals at the U.S. Open. #2 in the world is nothing to sneer at though! He also made it to the finals of the Grand Slam Cup, only to be bested by David Wheaton.
Chang also relished the opportunities to represent the U.S.A. in Davis Cup action. Some pros bypass the Davis Cup, which is like the World Cup of tennis, but Chang jumped at the opportunity.
A couple of injuries really put a damper on Chang's career. Each time he came back, but his later matches showed that he wasn't at the level that he was before. While conditioning may have helped, he thinks that there was a point when he went overboard--to the point of perhaps helping cause an injury and making him overly worn down due to insufficient rest and recovery time. His work ethic though, was quite strenuous and maximally disciplined. I saw his final match: while it was nostalgic, like the end of an era in American tennis, it did seem like it was time to move on.
Fishing, Anyone?
Chang writes about how he is an avid fisher. As one who has never actually caught a fish apart from at a store, it nonetheless sounded calming and fun. While I like to eat fish, I'd never get the many aquarium tanks that Chang purchased--a rare splurge for someone who isn't self-indulgent. Fishing qualifies as his #1 hobby, which his new home in Washington enables him to amply enjoy.
The Michael Chang Foundation
Chang set up a foundation that gives away money to causes he believes in. It is a tangible expression of his generosity--a way to give back the beaucoup bucks that his tennis prowess had earned. He actually gives the contact information for the foundation in the book.
The Chang Gang
Chang is very close to his family. They have been a tremendous support system in numerous ways. In a culture where divorce is rife and sacrifice is less common, the Chang family is an exemplary, tight knit group. They have provided coaching, encouragment, and every kind of nourishment. The story of how his brother became his coach and worked extensively with Prince through a number of prototypes to eventually design a long-handle racquet specifically for Michael is emblematic of Team Chang's support. Michael is grateful and unabashed about his close family ties.
What Makes Him Tick
The book makes it quite clear that it is his faith in Jesus that is most central in his life. He talks about it in a very natural and candid manner. This primary thread is woven thoughout the narrative in everything from journal entries to his prayer life, his life in Christian community to his public testimony of his faith.
Along these lines, he devotes a decent amount of space to his meeting with Billy Graham, whom he admires. At one point, Chang was willing to share his testimony of the impact Jesus makes in his life on a worldwide broadcast put on by Graham's organization. Especially in Asia, where he is a super celebrity, Chang's words and personal appearances are clung to.
Conclusion
If you like tennis, this book is worth reading for the inside look at the pro tour, as well as the telling of the French Open drama. If you have curiosity about Chang's life, this book gives the non-media-filtered story "from the horse's mouth". Or, as in my case, if you are accompanying one's spouse during Christmas shopping at bargain outlet stores, it is a good way not to be bored as she shops, shops, shops! Actually, once upon a time I had thought that I'd like to write this book myself (amidst the myriad of publishers who wanted it written), but though I didn't write it, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and warmly commend it to you.
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