7 teenagers to have won a Grand Slam title in the Open Era

Modified Jan 12, 2020 13:32 GMT

#1 Michael Chang: 17 years 109 days (1989 French Open)

Michael Chang became the youngest Open Era Grand Slam champion at the 1989 French Open

Making his fifth Grand Slam appearance at the 1989 French Open, Michael Chang dropped a set in his opening round against Eduardo Masso. Respective straight-sets wins over future World No. 1 Pete Sampras and Spanish qualifier Francisco Roig then propelled the American to the second week of the tournament.

The inspired run of the 17-year-old seemed set to end when Chang fell behind two sets against top-seed and three-time champion Ivan Lendl. But Chang was made of sterner stuff.

The teenager reeled off the next three sets for the loss of three games apiece to upset the world's top-ranked player, before dropping a set against Ronald Agenor in the quarterfinals.

In the last-four, Chang conquered defending champion Mats Wilander's conqueror Andrei Chesnokov in four sets to set up a title clash with third seed Stefan Edberg. Chang took the opener against the Swede in the final before falling behind two sets to one.

A set away from winning the French Open, Edberg faltered as a tiring Chang threw down an underarm serve. The American eventually triumphed in five sets to become the youngest winner of a Grand Slam title in the Open Era.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

Know More

What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here

Edited by Musab Abid