Learner Tien has done it again. After stunning Daniil Medvedev in a five-set epic at last year’s Australian Open, the American prodigy delivered an even more ruthless performance this time around, dismantling the former world number one in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0, 6-3, in just 1 hour and 42 minutes. He’ll now face the number three, Alexander Zverev, in the QF. With the tennis world buzzing over Tien’s rapid rise, attention has now turned to the mastermind behind his development – his coach, Michael Chang.

Who is Michael Chang?

Michael Te-Pei Chang is a former American professional tennis player, Hall of Famer, and one of the most respected coaches in modern tennis. Best known for his relentless work ethic, speed, and mental toughness, Chang carved out a legendary career before transitioning into a highly influential coaching role. He was born to Joe and Betty Chang on February 22, 1972, in Hoboken, New Jersey. His parents had previously emigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan.

Chang currently serves as the coach and mentor to Learner Tien, playing a pivotal role in shaping the young American’s game, mindset, and professional approach. Having walked the path from teenage sensation to Grand Slam champion (1989 French Open winner) himself, Chang brings invaluable experience to Tien’s corner.

Chang is regarded as one of the most successful Asian-American tennis players in history and a pioneer who inspired generations of young athletes. His tactical intelligence, defensive brilliance, and never-say-die attitude made him a fan favorite and a nightmare opponent on Tour.

Top Stories

Iga Swiatek Denied Entry at Australian Open For the Same Reason as Roger Federer

Who are Learner Tien’s Parents, Khuong and Huyen? Everything to Know About the American Star’s Family Background

Amanda Anisimova Breaks Silence After Controversial Exchange Sparks Backlash: “It’s Tough”

Jannik Sinner Speaks Out After Breaking Same Rule As Carlos Alcaraz at Australian Open

Michael Chang reached a career-high ranking of world number 2 and amassed 34 ATP Tour singles titles. His most iconic achievement came in 1989 when he won the French Open at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest male Grand Slam singles champion in Open Era history. He later also reached the finals of the 1995 French Open, 1996 AO, and 1996 US Open, cementing his place among tennis greats.

After the fourth-round win against Medvedev, Learner Tien was asked in his press conference about watching footage of his coach’s 1989 French Open heroics, and here’s what the 20-year-old said in reply: “I’ve seen some of his matches, but there aren’t many videos from that era (laughs).”

After retiring from tennis in 2003, Michael Chang transitioned seamlessly into coaching, bringing his strategic brilliance to the next generation. His most high-profile coaching stint came with Japan’s Kei Nishikori, whom he guided from 2014 onward. Under Chang’s mentorship, Nishikori reached the 2014 US Open final and climbed to a career-high ranking of world number 4 in March 2015. That success established Chang as a globally recognized coach for elite and emerging tennis professionals.

Now, with Learner Tien (current rank: 29) under his wing, Chang is once again shaping a potential future superstar. His influence extends beyond technical training; he serves as a mentor, motivator, and guiding light for a player just beginning his professional journey.

Who is Michael Chang’s wife?

Learner Tien’s coach, Michael Chang, is one of the most respected names in tennis history, but behind the Grand Slam champion stands a former tennis pro who carved out an impressive career of her own – his wife, Amber Liu Chang. From their tennis-rooted love story to family life, here’s everything you need to know about the woman by Chang’s side.

Amber Liu Chang is an American former professional tennis player who made a name for herself both in collegiate tennis and on the WTA circuit. She is also widely recognized for her connection to Stanford University and her competitive achievements in the early 2000s. She had a standout collegiate career at Stanford University, where she became a two-time NCAA singles champion in 2003 and 2004. Amber Liu reached her highest career ranking of world number 241 on March 3, 2008. Her highest ranking in doubles was 600.

She was coached by Emmanuel Udozorh and later by International Hall of Famer Michael Chang, who would eventually become her husband. But how did she meet Chang?

In 2008, during an interview, Learner’s Tien’s coach, Michael Chang, spoke about his love story. Chang and Liu first met briefly at the 2003 US Open, where she was competing in the women’s main draw. At the time, their interaction was short, just a few minutes in the player lounge. They didn’t reconnect until later, through mutual tennis circles and Chang’s cousin James, who had also attended Stanford and played on the tennis team.

Living in nearby areas in Orange County, they began practicing together, spending more time on and off the court. Chang recalled, “We got a chance to practice a little bit, and through that period of time, we got to know each other, and she fell in love with me. Things just blossomed.” Amber Liu playfully offered her own version: “Well…he fell in love with me. We got to know each other through tennis. It wasn’t expected. It was interesting that there were some times meeting at the first US Open and meeting again, and I thought that the Lord brought us together. I thought it was really in his time.”

Michael Chang and Amber Liu were married on October 18, 2008. Chang described their wedding and honeymoon as joyful and memorable, sharing that they traveled to Hawaii and Tahiti to celebrate the beginning of their married life. The couple has three children: two daughters, Lani (born on December 9, 2010) and Maile (born in February 2013), and a son.

Who are Michael Chang’s parents and siblings?

Michael Chang’s mother, Betty Chang, a trained chemist, famously gave up her career to travel with Michael during his junior and professional tennis years. Her sacrifice ensured he had constant emotional and logistical support on Tour. While his father, Joe Chang, took an active role in managing Michael’s early tennis career, helping guide him through the competitive junior circuit and professional transition.

Michael Chang’s older brother, Carl, was also heavily involved in his professional development, helping him navigate the pressures of elite tennis during his teenage breakthrough. After stepping away from tennis coaching, Carl Chang transitioned into the business world and built an impressive entrepreneurial portfolio. He is now an entrepreneur and real estate investor. Carl is the founder of Pieology, a popular pizza chain, and a senior executive in multiple business ventures.

What is Michael Chang’s net worth and coaching salary?

As per Celebrity Net Worth, Learner Tien’s coach, Michael Chang’s current net worth of around $20 million. Chang has also been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures. For example, with his family, he established the holdings company CMCB Enterprises, which has a portfolio of real estate throughout different parts of the U.S. Chang had a number of major endorsement deals during his tennis career, including Reebok, Panasonic, Longines, and Tiger Balm.

Michael Chang earned a significant portion of his income from his successful pro tennis career. After retirement, his main earnings came from his coaching role. Coaches at Chang’s level can earn substantial amounts, often in the hundreds of thousands per year.

Specific earnings for Michael Chang as a coach are not publicly disclosed. However, on average, a full-time coach working with junior players like Learner Tien may earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually. However, those coaching elite professionals usually earn around $200,000 per year.

If Learner Tien’s current trajectory is any indication, it’s just a matter of time until he becomes a real superstar in men’s tennis from a rising star. And if that happens, Chang may soon add another success story to his already legendary legacy.