MICHAEL Chang may look to Hong Kong and Asia to provide him with his post-tennis sustenance.
The 23-year-old Chang, speaking yesterday to student journalists from two local colleges, said he is still a long way from retirement.
But his desire to see Asian players rise up in the world rankings could see him take a more active role within the region.
'I've not really thought about what I'll do after tennis,' said Chang, who suggested that the students would ask the questions in the post-match interview for his quarter-final with Kenneth Carlsen. 'I'm 23 and still relatively young. I feel young and want to be on the tour for quite a few number of years. 'After I stop playing, I still think I will be involved in tennis, maybe even in Hong Kong and Asia.' Eight students from the Chinese University and the Chinese International School, journalists for their school newspapers, asked Chang questions ranging from religion to the standard of Hong Kong sports journalism.
In a sometimes revealing interview, Chang also talked about the pros and cons of being a full-time tennis player. 'There are a lot more positive things than negative about being on the tour,' said Chang. 'I'm doing something that I enjoy, that is playing tennis, and I get a chance to travel around the world, something not many 23-year-olds can do. 'On the negative aspect, I've sacrificed life in a normal teenage environment. I did not get a chance to experience it.' A devout Christian, Chang said that religion was more important to him than success as a tennis player. 'Religion is the most important priority in my life,' he said. 'I was given this talent to play tennis and touch people's lives.' On Hong Kong sports journalists, he said: 'Generally speaking, they are pretty easy going people. 'They don't try to hide in a closet. They are fair and professional. 'Every now and then, the tabloids make things more difficult, but that is not the norm.'
