Michael Chang wins the U.S. Open in Austin

Michael Chang wins the U.S. Open in Austin

Wu Yibing becomes first Chinese man to reach the US Open third round since 1881

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Michael Chang has been around since birth. But now the 21-year-old American is making headlines with a story of triumph after coming from behind to win a third-round match at the U.S. Open.

Chang was making his return to the U.S. Open after a victory over countryman Hu Yun in the second round. He had never won a match in Austin. That changed when he beat Hu, 7-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3, for a spot in the third round Thursday night. No one was more surprised than Chang himself.

When Chang, who plays for the University of Texas, arrived in Austin, the country was in mourning. That included himself. He had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in January. He didn’t know if it was cancer or not until he was told last week after his match against Hu that it was. And he didn’t know the size of the treatment he would need until late in the week, when his team and the college he plays for, the University of Texas, told him he just needed to play, for now, on the side lines.

“I knew it was a big opportunity and I knew I had to respond accordingly,” Chang said.

Chang has been preparing ever since he was diagnosed, but his plans for this week have become more complicated.

“I was kind of in shock when I first heard,” Chang said. “I still can’t believe it…. I’m very thankful for everything. It’s a very good feeling.”

Chang’s match was the only top-10 match of the tournament on Thursday. His opponent, University of Texas senior Hu Yun, had only two wins this season and had never reached

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