In 1991, Jim Courier conquered the ‘Sunshine Double,’ delivering incredible tennis in March and conquering Indian Wells and Miami. A year later, the American lost both titles to his compatriot, Michael Chang. Chang beat Courier 6-2, 6-4 in 80 minutes in the Miami Open semi-final, reaching back-to-back Masters 1000 finals right after turning 20. It was the fifth meeting between Courier and Chang and the fourth victory for the younger American. Michael had the upper hand in their opening encounters before Jim took charge in the following six clashes after Florida.
He stood no chance in this one, though, taking nine points on the return and never creating a break chance. Thanks to that impressive serving display, Chang could push hard on the return. He made six opportunities and seized three to control the scoreboard. They had around 20 winners in total. Chang forced more mistakes from Courier, having the upper hand in the shortest and most extended exchanges to cross the finish line first and set the final clash against Alberto Mancini. Jim held at love in the encounter’s opening two service games. However, it changed in the fifth game when Michael landed a deep backhand that his rival failed to control, securing a break and opening a 3-2 gap.
Michael Chang ousted Jim Courier in the 1992 Miami semi-final.
Chang confirmed the advantage with a hold at 15 and grabbed another break in the next game following Courier’s forehand error. He forged a 5-2 lead and closed the opener with a hold at love a few minutes later. An incredible lob earned a break chance for Michael in the second set’s opening game. Courier denied it with a solid smash and brought the game home to end his downfall and avoid an even more significant deficit. Chang created another break opportunity in the third game, and Courier erased it with an ace, holding after his rival’s backhand error to remain 2-1 in front. Delivering one good hold after another, Michael leveled the score again and gained a break in game five following Jim’s costly double fault to open a 3-2 gap. The younger American closed the next game with a service winner to take a big step toward the finish line. Both players served well until the end, and Chang brought the victory home with three winners at 5-3, extending his winning streak to 11 matches.
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