Having been in the media spotlight for nearly an hour, Michael Chang looked a bit overwhelmed by the number of request for interviews from dozens of reporters who had gathered for his 'homecoming'. Three years after playing his final Hong Kong tournament at the now-defunct Salem Open, a tournament he won three times, the former tennis star was beginning to feel the pressure. 'Michael, can you say happy new year in Mandarin for our TV station?'' said one reporter. 'Michael, can we have an interview with you? Who's your girlfriend?'' said another. 'Actually, I really need the bathroom!'' Chang said before whisked off for another photo session. Maybe it was Chang's way of saying he had had enough, but despite the prying eyes of the media, who wanted to know everything about him since his retirement, Chang handled himself admirably as usual. Chang, the Chinese-American hero who lifted the 1989 French Open title, had expected a quieter re-introduction here since hanging up his racquet. He was wrong. 'I'm surprised to say the least,'' said Chang, who turns 34 next month, of the attention he still commands. 'I thought when I retired in 2002, I was going to take it easy. But I was quite wrong. It has been hectic as usual. 'I just completed my third semester at Biola University [ministerial studies]. I have been doing quite lot of travelling and doing some business with my father and brother [Carl]. It's been hectic as ever,'' said the American, who was in town to promote a ginseng product. Sincer retiring, his tennis is restricted to playing with his father, Joe, and Carl. No serious stuff. 'Golf is now his new interest,'' said Joe Chang. 'He has become a good player and last year he won a longest drive competition, hitting the ball 360 yards. Even Tiger Woods might struggle with that,'' said his proud father. Chang said he did not plan to join the senior tennis tour, although he hoped to take part in the Champions Cup, an annual tournament featuring of past stars. 'I will probably play against players like John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Todd Martin, Marty Fish and Boris Becker. Tennis will always be part of my life. I don't play as much as I did while I was on the tour, obviously. 'Right now, there are things that are more important like my studies. It's been great so far. I don't plan to be a pastor. I would like to continue with my speaking engagements. I like speaking because I want to impact lives and make a difference,'' said Chang, a devout Christian. 'Do I have a girlfriend? Not now. I guess she would need to be a strong Christian,' said Chang when pressed. 'Being single has its advantages, too.'
