Chang, Roddick in Charleston for Men’s Legends Event

Michael Chang has played in Charleston before.

But, that was 30 years ago when there was a men’s tournament stop in the Lowcountry. Now, he’s back in 2018, older and wiser, as part of the Invesco Legends Charleston event at the Volvo Car Stadium Saturday night.

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Chang – along with Andy Roddick, Tommy Haas and defending champion Mark Philippoussis – bring champion’s tennis to the Volvo Car Stadium for a third consecutive year in a format that’s quick, high-stakes and fun.

Chang, 46, retired some 15 years ago, and has younger, more powerful foes to deal with in Charleston. That’s where the famed green clay should help him.

“Clay is a big neutralizer as it slows the ball down,” Chang explains. “I’ll play better on the green clay versus the normal indoor surface. It gives me more time and allows me to manipulate the ball a little more.”

Chang has stayed busy in his years of retirement: He’s on the pro tour consistently as a coach and adviser to top 10 stalwart Kei Nishikori of Japan, while he and his wife – former touring pro Amber Liu – have three kids all under the age of eight. One thing he says that won’t change when he walks onto Billie Jean King Stadium Court under those bright lights? His nerves.

“I don’t think any tennis player ever gets tired of the thrill”, he says. “Playing and performing is always easy to get up for. It’s something I enjoy very much still to this day. There is always a little bit of jitters with fans in attendance, but it’s all good fun… I’m looking forward to playing on that court in Charleston.”