While the main attention was focused on the dispute of the Australian Open in Melbourne, quite a few racket specialists, especially those related in one way or another to grassroots tennis, looked at the French town of Tarbes, which every January hosts the tournament The Little Aces.
A sub-14 that has among its champions Rafael Nadalwhich has recently spread the image of a double that the Murcian formed in this event Carlos Alcaraz and the danish Holger Rune. It is one of the most prestigious competitions among boys and girls with aspirations of being professionals one day.
“He’s a great dad! I love training with him. The advantage is that he knows my limits. He knows when to push me and when I need to breathe,” explains a recently turned 13-year-old girl to the French agency AFP, who catches the attention of those in the know because he shows potential, but the interest generated by the figure of his father is even greater.
His father and now coach, as he still is of the Japanese Kei Nishikori, She won Les Petits As as a child. The first experience of the eldest daughter, of the two she has, ends in the round of 16 against the person who will be the winner days later.
Due to age, a normal fact. His father knows this well, with a lot of experience in the issue of child prodigies. Since he was a child he rubbed shoulders with Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and Andre Agassi. At 17 she gave the big surprise by winning the final at Roland Garros.
An image of the 1989 Roland Garros semifinal against the American Michael Chang
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In 1989 he martyred Ivan Lendl with their spoon serves, below, to combat cramps. Short, 1.75 meters tall, but fast and a devil of strategy. He became the youngest champion in Paris, beating Stefan Edberg.
Michael Chang, 1989 Roland Garros champion
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He played in three other Grand Slam finals, in a time of great competition, the golden age of USA tennis. At 51 years old Michael Chang watch the steps of Lani Chang.
“I am always proud of her, regardless of the result. It is important at these ages that they enjoy what is their passion,” Michael tells AFP.
In the world of tennis, his relationship with his compatriot was also created. Amber Liu, who also competed in Les Petits As. He did not succeed as much in professionals. The marriage dates back to October 18, 2008. After Lani (December 9, 2010) came Maileborn in February 2013.
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Lani Chang is on the agenda of the tennis universe, as is a certain Yevegeny Kafelnikov, whose name and surname recall a Grand Slam champion and world No. 1 who was his father. He also appeared in Tarbes.
2024-02-09 16:40:36
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