Michael Chang's 1987 US Open win set

On September 1, 1987, a 15-year-old American named Michael Chang defeated Paul McNamee in the US Open first round. His victory, by a score of 6-3, -7, 6-4, 6-4, made him the youngest male player in the Open era to win a match at the tournament. That precocity record remained unchallenged for the next 36 years, according to a historical report by Tennis Majors.

The teenage Chang earned his wildcard entry by winning the United States Nationals 18-and-under tournament earlier that year. He had been breaking American age-group records since claiming a national title at age 12. His opponent, Australia's Paul McNamee, was 32 and a seasoned pro. McNamee had been ranked as high as world No. 24 and was a former world No. 1 doubles player with four Grand Slam doubles titles.

The Tactical Surprise

Facing a player ranked 130th in the world while he himself was ranked 930th, Chang adapted his usual defensive game. He later wrote in his book that he employed an unexpected serve-and-volley tactic. Chang noticed McNamee struggled with high kick serves to his backhand. He came in behind his serve several times. The shift in strategy worked. Chang won in four sets.

The win became a major story. American sports journalists immediately labeled him the future of American tennis. This was a time when stars like John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors were fading. In the press conference afterward, accompanied by his mother, Chang displayed his youth. "I don't know about the future of American tennis," he said. "I'm just out there playing." His mother, Betty, told reporters, "He's just a little boy and we'd like to keep him that way."

A Rapid Ascent

Chang's historic run at the 1987 US Open ended in the second round with a five-set loss to Nduka Odizor. His rise, however, only accelerated. He soon became the youngest man to reach an ATP tour semi-final and the youngest to break into the top 200. By June 1988, aged 16 years and 3 months, he was the youngest ever to enter the top 100.

His most stunning achievement came in 1989. At 17 years old, Chang won the French Open, defeating Stefan Edberg in the final. That made him the youngest male champion in Grand Slam history. His epic fourth-round match against Ivan Lendl, featuring a famous underarm serve, became instant tennis lore.

Later Career and Opponent's Path

Chang never captured a second major singles title. He remained a top player in the early 1990s, reaching three more Grand Slam finals and peaking at world No. 2 in 1996. He retired from professional tennis in 2003.

Paul McNamee, the experienced Australian Chang beat that day in 1987, transitioned into sports administration after his playing career. He served as Tournament Director of the Hopman Cup and as CEO of the Australian Open until 2006.