Former French Open champion Michael Chang recently talked about how the quintet of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Stan Wawrinka prevented the older American generation from winning a Grand Slam title. The American also showered rich praise on the 20-time Major winner for his incredible consistency over his long career.
Chang competed on the ATP Tour from 1988 to 2003, with the biggest highlight of his career being his 1989 French Open triumph against all odds. Since retirement, the American has worked primarily as a coach. He began a successful partnership with former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori in 2014, guiding the latter to his maiden Major final at the 2014 US Open.
Chang recently spoke to the ATP Tour about American male tennis pros’ past prospects at the Grand Slam tournaments, insisting that their inability to win titles was directly related to Roger Federer & his top rivals’ prowess.
“I think there are four explanations. Explanation one is (Roger) Federer, explanation two is (Novak) Djokovic, number three is (Rafael) Nadal and another one is (Andy) Murray. Mix in (Stan) Wawrinka as well,” Michael Chang told the ATP while discussing why there have been no male American Major winners since 2003.
He also praised the aforementioned players’ impact on tennis in the last two decades, before sparing a word for the Swiss maestr
“If you think about it from the history of tennis, what those guys have done, it’s been absolutely mindboggling, it’s been incredible,” he added. “We always pay attention to the Grand Slams which they won, but go back and see how many semi-finals or better Roger did in consecutive seasons. It’s crazy how good these guys are.”
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