Michael Chang’s Nostalgic Visit to Shanghai
The American tennis legend attends an exhibition at the Rolex Shanghai Masters alongside tournament director Michael Luevano.
October 05, 2025
Rolex Shanghai Masters
Michael Chang and Michael Luevano reflect on ATP Tour’s journey in Shanghai.
By Greg Sharko
Former world No. 2 Michael Chang has witnessed the evolution of professional tennis in Shanghai for over 25 years.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee clinched his penultimate tour-level title in Shanghai on October 11, 1998, defeating Goran Ivanisevic in an exhilarating three-set match. This victory marked his final of 12 ATP Tour titles in Asia, culminating in a total of 34 tour-level titles, including an impressive streak of at least one title for 11 consecutive years.
The inaugural ATP Tour tournament in Shanghai took place in 1996, and two years later, the Shanghai Ba-shi ownership group acquired the event. The current tournament director, Michael Luevano, along with managing director Charles Humphrey Smith, have been pivotal in nurturing the sport’s growth in Shanghai since its inception.
At the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters, Luevano hosted Chang for a tour of the exciting ‘Heritage & Flag’ exhibition, located just outside Grandstand 2. This exhibition highlights the rich history of tennis in Shanghai, which began from humble beginnings. Men’s tennis has transformed from a modest ATP 250 tournament to hosting the prestigious year-end Nitto ATP Finals from 2002 to 2008, and has solidified its place on the ATP Tour calendar as one of the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments since 2009. This year, the event features an expanded format with a 12-day schedule and a 96-player field, marking it as the largest men’s tournament in Asia.
“Every visit to China holds a unique significance for me,” said Chang, who is in Shanghai coaching rising American talent Learner Tien. “Being here, where it all began, is truly special.”
Photo Credit: Rolex Shanghai Masters
Luevano, celebrating his 30th year as tournament director, reflects on Chang’s significant influence on the growth of tennis in Shanghai. “We had to build from the ground up, as Michael mentioned. He was already a big star, ranked two or three in the world at the time. His presence helped us forge partnerships and educate Chinese fans and aspiring players.”
Luevano added, “He’s inspired a whole generation of young Chinese athletes to take up the sport. When I see Mike, it brings back a wave of emotion because it’s part of my history too.”
The themed exhibition captures the essence of tennis in Shanghai, commencing with Chang’s title victory. The Shanghai ATP 250 tournament ran successfully for six editions from 1998-2004, pausing in 2002 when the Tennis Masters Cup was held at the Shanghai International Expo Center. Following the success of the inaugural Nitto ATP Finals in China, former ATP CEO Mark Miles announced during the awards ceremony that Shanghai could host the season finale once more.
“The spark was ignited during Mark Miles’ speech at the 2002 Tennis Masters Cup in Pudong,” Luevano explained. “He envisioned Shanghai hosting a Masters 1000 event, which catalyzed significant investments and garnered government support to foster a robust tennis culture.”
“The Qizhong Stadium stands as an architectural marvel, showcasing Shanghai’s commitment to the sport since its establishment in 2005.”
The exhibition showcases captivating photos of Chang alongside legends like Andre Agassi and former NBA star Yao Ming, as well as past Tennis Masters Cup champions such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who holds a record four titles at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Additionally, it features videos and memorabilia from cherished champions across the years.
Photo Credit: ATP Tour
Last year, the tournament was recognized as a Standard of Excellence, the highest rated ATP Masters 1000 event in the ATP’s newly implemented Player Choice Awards system, where players assess tournaments on over 25 criteria.
“I’ve shared stories with various players about their initial experiences here,” said Chang. “I recently flew in with Learner and Jannik Sinner, who was curious about what it was like during the early days. I told him about the journey and the extraordinary developments since then. They are indeed fortunate.”
“The facilities available for players today are top-notch. If you look at the gym and the preparation that goes into catering to athletes—everything from food to fitness—is truly world-class.”
