Michael Chang has opened up on the biggest differences between playing in Shanghai now and in the 1990s.
Chang dominated the China Open, winning the tournament in 1993, 1994, and 1995, and he also picked up a tournament win in Shanghai in 1998.
The American is back in Shanghai as Learner Tien’s coach as he looks to build upon his China Open final in Beijing.
Chang has revealed one of the biggest differences between playing at the Shanghai Masters now compared to when he was a professional.
Michael Chang commends the Shanghai Masters facilities in 2025
Chang’s guidance over Tien has been impressive so far in Shanghai as the teenager has come through matches against Miomir Kecmanović and Corentin Moutet.
The young American will play Cameron Norrie in round three, but Chang has praised the facilities of the tournament beforehand.
In a video with the Shanghai Masters’ official YouTube channel, the American said he was floored by the difference in playing facilities at the 2025 tournament.
“I came over on the flight obviously with Learner [Tien], but also with Jannik Sinner and he was like: ‘What was it like playing the first events here?’
“So, I’m telling him what it was like and how far it’s come and how spoiled they are now. I mean, if you go and you just take a look at the gym and the way these guys are preparing. The food and the drink, everything is first class.”
Chang defeated Goran Ivanišević in a three-set final of a tournament that also featured Jan-Michael Gambill and Mikael Tillström.
Michael Chang could oversee more Shanghai success in 2025
Tien is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the sport and he’s been given an incredible chance to follow up on his China Open success.
The star was placed in a draw with Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai, but it was blown wide open by the Spaniard’s withdrawal.
The American has a real chance of reaching the fourth round against Norrie, who has won just once since the US Open.
Under Chang’s guidance, Tien could crack the ATP Tour top 30 before the year is out after an exceptional Asian swing.
