Synopsis
Holding Serve: Persevering On and Off the Court by Michael Chang, co-authored with Mike Yorkey, is a deeply personal memoir that intertwines the tennis star’s remarkable career with his steadfast Christian faith and family-driven upbringing. Published in 2002, the book chronicles Chang’s journey from a young prodigy to a Grand Slam champion, most notably his historic 1989 French Open victory at age 17, making him the youngest male to win a Grand Slam and the first American man to claim the title since 1955. At 5’9” and 150 pounds, Chang was often likened to David facing Goliath on the tennis court, compensating for his smaller stature with relentless determination, speed, and an all-court game. The memoir details his rise through the junior ranks, where he set numerous “youngest player” records, including becoming the youngest to win a main draw match at the U.S. Open in 1987 and to reach a Tour semifinal. His 1989 French Open triumph, particularly the grueling match against Ivan Lendl and the final against Stefan Edberg, is vividly recounted, highlighting the mental and physical fortitude required to compete on the slow, demanding clay courts of Roland Garros, which Chang compares to playing on a dirt infield.
Central to the narrative is Chang’s Asian-American upbringing and the pivotal role of “Team Chang,” his close-knit family, particularly his parents and brother Carl, who coached him and sacrificed greatly to nurture his talent. Growing up in a modest household where money was tight, Chang’s parents instilled values of respect, discipline, hard work, and loyalty, which he credits for his success. The book explores his cultural roots, offering insight into how his Chinese heritage shaped his character, setting him apart in a sport often dominated by Western players. Chang’s faith in Christianity is a cornerstone of the memoir, as he openly discusses how his belief in God guided him through the highs and lows of his career. He famously attributed his successes to his faith, a stance that sparked controversy and led to jeering from crowds and media scrutiny, particularly in the secular Western world. Yet, Chang remained unwavering, stating he never prayed for victory but for the strength to persevere, a philosophy encapsulated in his quote, “As long as my priorities are straight, I’m able to go out with the mentality to really leave the winning and losing up to the Lord.”
The memoir also candidly addresses the challenges Chang faced, particularly in the late 1990s when injuries and a decline in performance saw his ranking plummet after years in the top 10. He describes the physical toll of overtraining, as he and Carl attempted to keep pace with the era’s power players by revamping his serve and undertaking intense workouts, leading to injuries from hip to knee to wrist. Despite these setbacks, Chang avoids bitterness, reflecting instead on his resilience and refusal to dwell on missed opportunities, such as not winning additional Grand Slams or surpassing his career-high ranking of No. 2. His relationships with contemporaries like Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and Jim Courier are touched upon, with fond memories of their junior days, though he refrains from settling scores or indulging in gossip, maintaining a tone of integrity and humility throughout. Chang’s personal life, including his commitment to modesty and his choice to avoid discussing past relationships or sensational antics, underscores his reputation as a role model, though some readers note this makes the narrative less dramatic.
Beyond tennis, Chang shares his passion for fishing and his involvement with the Chang Family Foundation, reflecting his post-retirement focus on philanthropy. The book, while criticized for its occasionally unpolished writing and heavy tennis jargon, is praised for its accessibility, even to non-tennis fans, due to its straightforward and heartfelt style. Chang’s reflections on his career’s twilight, as he approached retirement in his 30s, reveal a man at peace with his achievements, grounded by faith and family. Holding Serve is both an inspiring sports biography and a testament to Chang’s character, offering readers a glimpse into how his values and perseverance enabled him to navigate the pressures of professional tennis while staying true to his beliefs. It appeals to tennis enthusiasts, those interested in Christian biographies, and readers drawn to stories of overcoming adversity through quiet strength and conviction.