Chang Comes Back Against Lendl, Faces Wheaton in Munich Final

Michael Chang outlasted Ivan Lendl in a marathon semifinal Saturday at the Grand Slam Cup that revived memories of their French Open confrontation two years ago.

Chang came from two sets down and saved a match point to beat Lendl, 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 9-7, in 4 hours 42 minutes to reach the final of the $6-million event.

David Wheaton defeated Wimbledon champion Michael Stich in the other semifinal, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-3), despite Stich serving 25 aces.

Wheaton beat Stich in a battle of big servers in a match that lasted more than three hours and ended after midnight local time. Wheaton holds a 2-1 lead over Chang in lifetime meetings.

“I was in a great position. I had no pressure,” the 19-year-old Chang said. “I was two sets down and a match point against me. I don’t have any expectations.”

“I just think I wanted to go out there and play a good match. I was happy the way everything went.”

“A lot of players get discouraged at being two sets down,” Lendl said. “I don’t think he gets as discouraged as others at that stage.”

The winner of today’s final will earn $2 million.