Chang Wins USTA Challenger of Calabasas Title

By Fred Sidhu

Calabasas, Ca. –  Top-seeded Michael Chang defeated fifth-seeded Cecil Mamiit, 6-3, 7-5 in one-hour and 30-minutes to win the $50,000 USTA Challenger of Calabasas.

On a warm afternoon in Southern California, Chang broke Mamiit’s serve twice to win the first set.

After exchanging service breaks early in the second set, Chang and Mamiit were tied at 5-5 when Chang broke serve to take a 6-5 lead.

Chang served out the match at love as he hit an ace followed by a running forehand netcord winner, a service winner and a backhand passing shot.

When asked about his victory, Chang said, “Most people would look at it as just a Challenger event, I see it as much more than that. To me it’s a pretty special tournament to be able to come out and to win because it has been so long.”

Chang’s last tournament title was at the Los Angeles ATP event in July, 2000.

He added, “When you’ve had a drought like I’ve have and struggled, every victory that you have becomes sweeter, particularly as you get older. I didn’t have any easy matches this week.”

The victory in Calabasas was Chang’s second career Challenger title. In 1987 he won the Las Vegas Challenger at age 15.

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

Doubles - Championship