PARIS -- Michael Chang, the 17-year old who stunned the tennis world Sunday by winning the French Open, was born in Hoboken N.J., and lives in Placentia, Calif.
Chang displayed astonishing resolve in becoming the youngest man to win the French Open.
By beating Stefan Edberg in five sets, he also became the first American in 34 years to win the men's trophy.
In the space of a week he ousted the world's No. 1 tennis pro, Ivan Lendl, and overcame two other tough opponents before sealing his victory with the triumph over Edberg.
'I didn't think I could win this at all,' Chang said. 'I just came in and tried to do my best.'
Chang was born Feb. 22, 1972. A right-hander who stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 135 pounds, he played in 14 tournaments last year, including the U.S. Open, where he reached round 16. He also won the Transamerica Open in San Francisco.
His French Open crown came against a backdrop of political turmoil in China. His father, Joe, emigrated to the United States from Taiwan in 1966. Michael's mother, Betty, is teaching him to speak Chinese.
In his acceptance speech to the crowd of more than 17,000, Chang said, 'God bless everybody, and especially those in China.'
