Chang Advances to USTA Challenger Final

By Fred Sidhu

Calabasas, Ca. –  Former French Open champion, Michael Chang, won two matches to advance to the finals of the USTA Challenger of Calabasas at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center.

Chang, the tournament’s top seed, began the day by defeating Denmark’s Kenneth Carlsen, 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-6 (5) in a quarterfinal match which had been suspended on Friday due to darkness.

In his semifinal match two and a half hours later, Chang rallied to eliminate fellow American Justin Gimelstob, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3.

Chang fought off two break points and held serve for a 5-3 lead in the third set. He then broke Gimelstob’s serve to win the match.

“Obviously it feels great. It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to win a couple of matches in a row,” Chang said. “Hopefully it’s a good sign for things to come.”

Chang, ranked 92 in the world, will face fifth-seeded Cecil Mamiit in the final. Mamiit defeated Germany’s Bjorn Phau, 7-6 (5), 6-2 in an earlier semifinal match.

Sunday’s final begins at noon (Pacific time).  

The USTA Challenger of Calabasas is a $50,000 Challenger event. The tournament is part of the United States Tennis Association Professional Circuit.

USTA Challenger of Calabasas

Saturday - April 13, 2002

Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center
Calabasas, Ca.
Purse: $50,000
Surface: Hard-Outdoor

Singles - Quarterfinals

Michael Chang (1), United States, def. Kenneth Carlsen (6), Denmark, 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-6 (5)

Semifinals

Cecil Mamiit (5), United States, def. Bjorn Phau, Germany,  7-6 (5), 6-2

Michael Chang (1), United States, def. Justin Gimelstob, United States, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3

Doubles - Semifinals

Paul Rosner, South Africa and Glenn Weiner (2), United States def. Brandon Coupe and Kevin Kim, United States, 6-3, 6-2