Chang Has Played Here Before, Muster Has Been Here Before
The last time Michael Chang was in a Grand Slam final, it was at the 1989 French Open against Ivan Lendl. Chang was 17 years old, and he was very, very tired. His legs were severely cramping. He was reduced to serving underhanded. He won.
Thomas Muster was there that year too. The Austrian was in a television booth high above center court at Roland Garros. His crutches were stacked in a corner while he sat on a high stool. Muster was still recovering from surgery to his left knee, which had been shredded by a drunk driver.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. June 12, 1995 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Monday June 12, 1995 Home Edition Sports Part C Page 6 Sports Desk 1 inches; 27 words Type of Material: Correction
Tennis--Because of a reporting error, Ivan Lendl was misidentified in a story in Sunday’s editions as Michael Chang’s opponent in the 1989 French Open final. Chang’s opponent was Stefan Edberg.
The two will be at center court again, under different circumstances today, as Chang and Muster meet in the French Open men’s final. It will be Chang’s return to the scene of his greatest triumph. It will be Muster’s first appearance in the final of a Grand Slam event.
Chang, 23, seeded sixth, has been cautiously and methodically advancing. Muster, seeded fifth, has been grunting and slashing his way to the final.
Muster, 27, has been unbeatable on clay this season, He has won 34 consecutive matches on the slow surface.
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
