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Chang to retire after US Open

January 25, 2003 12:14 IST
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Former French Open champion Michael Chang will retire after the US Open and begin a 10-tournament 'Farewell Tour' at the San Jose Open in February, the player's agent said on Saturday.

"Michael has done pretty much all he can do in the sport and realises that his best tennis is probably behind him," Octagon's Tom Ross told Tennisreporters.net.

"However, he still believes he can be competitive this year and has a few big wins left in him. This tour will be a celebration of his great on-court accomplishments as well a celebration of what a great ambassador he has been for the game."

The 30-year-old Chang, who won 34 career singles titles, earned just over $19 million in prize money and finished in the year-end Top 10 seven times.

However, the former world number two has not been the same player he used to be since he injured his knee at Indian Wells in 1998.

Chang, who became the youngest men's Grand Slam champion at 17 years, three months when he beat Sweden's Stefan Edberg to win the 1989 French Open, has not won a title since 2000.

Last year, the once fleet counterpuncher lost in the first round of 13 tournaments. He is currently 122nd in the world, his lowest ranking since he turned professional in 1988.

San Jose Open tournament chief Bill Rapp said that before Chang's opening match on February 10, the event will hold a 'Celebrate Michael Chang' night that will include video highlights of his career and a presentation ceremony with Chang's family.

Chang won his first pro title at the tournament in 1988 and is a two-time champion there.

Chang is also scheduled to play in the Memphis, Indian Wells, Miami, Roland Garros, Los Angeles, Cincinnati and is likely to make appearances at the Houston and Indianapolis events.

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Source: REUTERS
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