Michael Chang, Sjeng Schalken Back For More

MEDIA RELEASE 21 November 2001

Chang Back For More

Lasting the test of three decades of competitive tennis Michael Chang has
confirmed he will return to New Zealand and the Heineken Open featuring the Vodafone singles and doubles scheduled for January 7 – 12, 2002.

Chang appeared in Auckland in 2000 and made an unforgettable impression on his run to the final which also featured sellout crowds in the stadium on five of the six days of the event.

On that occasion Chang made the final with four three set matches before eventually falling to Swede Magnus Norman in a three set final which is regarded as one of the best in modern times.

Along with Andre Agassi, Chang is the only active player who played in the 1980’s.

He won his first title in 1988 in San Francisco and followed that a year later by becoming the youngest ever men’s winner at Roland Garros at just 17 years and three months.

1996 was a marquee year for Chang reaching the number two ranking after he was a finalist at Australian and US Opens.

The 29 year old has stated that he is playing tennis for the enjoyment of the game and so he can give something back to the fans who have supported him for many years around the world.

His ability is more than worthy of support after making the semifinals of Washington this year, beating Nicolas Kiefer and Guillermo Canas along the way before losing to Andy Roddick.

Tournament Director Graham Pearce said. “Michael was a huge crowd pleaser in his first ever appearance in Auckland in the 2000 Heineken Open. We feel sure his fans in Auckland will be out in strength to support him, in what could be his final competitive appearance here.”

Chang has a career singles win-loss record of 653 – 284 and joins a list of talented players such Marat Safin, Goran Ivanisevic, Dominik Hrbaty, Sjeng Schalken and Greg Rusedski.

The Heineken Open featuring the Vodafone singles and doubles will be held at the ASB BANK Tennis Centre in Auckland from January 7-12, 2002.

For more information please contact:

Graham Pearce or Dave Worsley, Media Manager
Heineken Open Tournament Director 021 679 096
3733 623 or mobile 021 675 005

MEDIA RELEASE 21 November 2001

Quiet Acheiver Returns To Home Of Emotional Win

One of the most consistent players of 2001, Sjeng Schalken is set to hit the courts at the Heineken Open again to take part in the Vodafone singles and doubles, a title he won in 1999.

Still only 25 years old Schalken made five singles quarterfinals, including two Tennis Masters Series events – Monte Carlo and Paris and featured in the last eight of events on clay, grass, hardcourt and indoors.

He made the semifinals of Amsterdam, in his home country and the final of Washington the next week beating Andre Agassi in the semifinals before being defeated by Andy Roddick in the final.

He won his sixth career title with a five set win in the final of Stockholm over Jarkko Nieminen and followed up the next week with wins over Roddick and Gustavo Kuerten in Paris.

Tournament Director Graham Pearce said. “A probable seeded player for the tournament Schalken is clearly in form and must be seen as a threat to other high calibre players in the field.”

His record in Auckland is top class with a seven win one loss standing after he defeated Tommy Haas in 1999 and returned the next year to beat Goran Ivanisevic in the first round before eventually losing to Gaston Gaudio in the quarterfinals.

The 99 victory was dedicated to his brother, Tuur who had died of cancer at age 15, three years to the day of the win.

Schalken finished 2001 with a record of 37 wins and 28 losses and an ATP Race ranking of 30 and an entry ranking of 26. He joins talented players such Marat Safin, Goran Ivanisevic, Dominik Hrbaty, Greg Rusedski and Michael Chang in the 2002 Heineken Open.

The Heineken Open featuring the Vodafone singles and doubles will be held at the ASB BANK Tennis Centre in Auckland from January 7-12, 2002.

For more information please contact:
Graham Pearce or Dave Worsley, Media Manager
Heineken Open Tournament Director 021 679 096
3733 623 or mobile 021 675 005

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