Michael Chang didn't just walk into the history books because of a lucky underhand serve at Roland Garros. Most people remember the grit, the sweat, and that impossible 1989 French Open win where a 17-year-old kid broke the world’s collective brain by beating Ivan Lendl. But honestly, the most interesting part of his story isn't the trophy—it’s the life he built after the stadium lights dimmed. At the center of that life is a partnership that most casual fans completely missed.
We’re talking about Michael Chang and wife Amber Liu. They aren't the kind of couple you see splashed across every tabloid or chasing clout on Instagram. They’re basically tennis royalty that prefers the quiet life in Southern California, focusing on faith, their foundation, and raising the next generation of hitters. It’s a story about two people who actually speak the same language—literally and athletically.
Who is Amber Liu?
If you think Amber is just "the wife" of a legend, you've got it wrong. She’s a powerhouse in her own right. Before she was Amber Liu Chang, she was a standout at Stanford University. We're talking about a two-time NCAA singles champion (2003 and 2004). That is no small feat. Winning one is hard; defending it is a nightmare.
She turned pro and climbed as high as World No. 241 in singles. While she didn't hit the Top 10 like Michael, her technical understanding of the game is elite. That’s probably why they work so well. They actually met when Michael was nearing the end of his career and Amber was still grinding on the circuit.
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A Match Made on the Court
They got married on October 18, 2008, at a community church in California. It wasn't a celebrity circus. It was a deeply personal ceremony rooted in their shared Christian faith. You've gotta appreciate the symmetry: Michael’s brother, Carl, married his wife in the exact same chapel years earlier.
The couple has two daughters, Lani (born 2010) and Maile (born 2013). And yeah, the tennis genes are definitely doing their thing. In early 2024, Lani made headlines by competing in the Les Petits As in France—the same "children's Grand Slam" Michael won back in 1986. Talk about full circle.
The Coaching Connection
What most people get wrong about Michael Chang is thinking he’s fully retired. Far from it. While he spent years guiding Kei Nishikori to the top of the game, he’s recently shifted his focus to a new project: American rising star Learner Tien.
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By the summer of 2025, Chang was officially in Tien's box. It’s been a massive success. Tien rocketed from outside the top 100 to No. 48 in the world under Michael’s wing. During the 2025 US Open and the subsequent swing through Beijing, Chang was there, offering that trademark tactical intensity.
Amber is often right there in the background, providing the stability that allows Michael to travel and coach. They run the Chang Family Foundation together, which isn't just a tax write-off. It’s a serious organization that uses sports to promote family values and faith.
Life in 2026: More Than Just Rackets
As we move through 2026, the Changs are basically living the blueprint for a successful post-pro life. Michael is still hitting the "Legends" circuit at Roland Garros, but his real pride is coaching his daughter and Tien.
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- Coaching: Michael is helping Learner Tien navigate his first full year on the ATP Tour.
- Family: Lani is now 15 and making waves in the junior circuit.
- Foundation: The Michael Chang Tennis Classic continues to raise funds for local charities in Southern California.
- Side Hustles: Believe it or not, Michael has even dived into the pickleball craze, competing in high-stakes "slams" against guys like Agassi and McEnroe.
Why Their Story Still Matters
In an era where sports marriages often end in messy public divorces, Michael and Amber are an outlier. They’ve stayed married for nearly two decades by keeping their private life, well, private.
They don't do the flashy "celebrity" thing. You won't see them at every red carpet event. Instead, you'll find them at a local park in Orange County, probably feeding balls to their daughters or helping a young pro refine their footwork.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the Chang legacy today, here is how you can stay connected:
- Watch Learner Tien: Keep an eye on the ATP rankings for this 20-year-old. If he’s playing, Michael is likely the one who designed the game plan.
- Junior Tennis: Follow the results of the USTA Junior National Championships. Lani Chang is a name that will be popping up frequently as she eyes a collegiate or pro career.
- The Foundation: If you're in Southern California, the Michael Chang Tennis Classic is an annual event that lets amateur players compete while supporting local outreach programs.
The "Michael Chang and wife" search might start with curiosity about a retired star, but it ends with a look at one of the most functional and successful families in the history of American tennis. They’ve proven that you can win on the court and still have a winning life once the crowd stops cheering.