Holding Serve Persevering On And Off The Court [Hardcover]

Michael Chang (Author), Mike Yorkey (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 4, 2002

Often characterized as David facing Goliath on the tennis court, at 5'9" and 150 pounds Michael Chang is used to playing with the big hitters. What he lacks in stature, he makes up for in determination. A serious contender at any Grand Slam event, his bold statement of faith in God makes him a role model we can all look up to. "What's nice," Michael says, "is that, 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." In Holding Serve readers get a unique glimpse at Team Chang, Michael's powerful family unit that he credits with much of his success. Michael also shares the story of how he became a Christian and the central role his faith has played in his achievements.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Now in his early 30s and approaching retirement, Michael Chang has had one of the most remarkable tennis careers of the modern era. A contemporary of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, he burst on to the international scene winning the French Open title aged just 17. He was ranked within the top ten players in the world throughout most of the 1990s, but caused controversy by constantly attributing his success to Christ. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785266569
• ISBN-13: 978-0785266563
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #774,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More than just tennis, October 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Holding Serve Persevering On And Off The Court (Hardcover)

In "Holding Serve", you feel what he says, more than you read what he wrote, especially if you have seen Michael played on the court. Such valour and determination, from the very first game I saw him played in our home town to the very last ATP doubles game he played in our city on 26 September 2002. Michael carried a very clear message on the court and he just confirmed it in writing in this book. I would recommend it to people of all ages and I wish to emphasize that this book is not focused on Christianity. It's a book about attitude and the way of life of THE MICHAEL CHANG.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational!, February 16, 2005

By 

Greatwood (Sugar Land, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holding Serve Persevering On And Off The Court (Hardcover)

Michael Chang is a remarkable individual! I still remember watching Michael play that incredible match against Ivan Lendl in the 89 French Open and then defeating Stefan Edberg in the final after going down two sets after winning the first! Talk about steely determination! And to win a grand slam event at age 17! Amazing! The book is a fascinating read and contary to "a readers" rather inane opinions on this review site, I felt that Michael was truly honest and forthright about his beliefs and I never felt that he was "cramming" his beliefs on anyone..I just have high respect for the fact that he stood his ground and never compromised his values..We need more role models like Michael Chang..especially in the world of sports!

Michael talks about his relationships with Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras and how they all came up in the junior ranks..Pete and Andre used to stay overnight with Michael's family on occasion when they crossed paths and Michael seemed very secure in his relationship with the two tennis greats! (I'm sure there is mutual respect among these tennis greats!!) His anecdotes about John McEnroe and many other players are quite interesting and humorous so I did not understand "a readers" previous comments about "not mentioning other players" at all..

Michael is deferential and respectful about his career in tennis and never bad mouths any of his opponents or fellow players..instead he gives a lot of them credit for his development as a professional..especially John McEnroe's demolishment of him in the French Open in '88..he learned from the experience..and even went on to state that he earned McEnroe's respect later on when he took him out for the first time at the 1992 US Open..

Michael's description of his matches and how he developed as a young tennis professional gives you a great deal of insight into all the hard work that goes into attaining the level of tennis he produced..especially in the year 1996 when he was ranked as high as No 2..I remember clearly the semi-final match he played against Andre Agassi in the '96 US Open where he took him apart in 3 straight sets..only to lose the next day to his rival..Pete Sampras..if he had won that match he would have been No 1 in the world! Although that would have been nice, Michael did not dwell on it and what makes the book an interesting read is that Michael gives you a quite a bit of insight into his world and his influences..which is what most autobiographies are designed to do...he states what he felt were the most important things in his life..his family..and that he felt truly "blessed" to have had all the opportunities he had and to be on the "world stage"..he stresses the fact that he lives by "the golden rule" and never succumbed to the temptations that being a world class tennis star can bring!

I have been a fan of Michael's since the beginning of his career and throughly enjoyed his insightful book..I highly recommend this book for tennis fans and all sports fans for that matter!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Role Model For Young Generation, April 1, 2005

By 

Piano Fan (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holding Serve Persevering On And Off The Court (Hardcover)

I finished this book within a day. This is by far one of my favorite book. Michael was very humble and personable throughout the book. I felt like I know him so much after finish reading Holding Serve. Not knowing how much hard work it takes to become No.2 tennis player, this book brings inspiration and true understanding of the tennis world. Young tennis player will be inspired and touched by his stories.

I am also impressed by Michael's faith and his close relationship with his family. You will appreciate the role of his parents and what a sacrifice they made in order to fulfil his tennis dream.