Michael Chang’s Latest Tennis Partnership Is Naturally Sweet

More than three decades after Michael Chang became one of the most recognizable American players in tennis, his latest partnership is built around something considerably simpler than racquet technology or performance apparel: dates.     

The former world No. 2 and International Tennis Hall of Famer is serving as Sports Nutrition Ambassador for California Dates, bringing one of tennis' most famous reputations for speed, endurance and preparation into the growing conversation around whole-food sports nutrition.

The partnership debuted earlier this year at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where Chang appeared alongside California Date Commission Marketing Committee Chair Mark Tadros for a live Q&A and fan event focused on nutrition and fueling for tennis players.

"Indian Wells has always felt like a second home to me, so I'm excited to be back here, not only as a coach, but also with California Dates to talk about something every player cares about: how we nourish and fuel our bodies," Chang said. "I love that California Dates are naturally sweet but also bring potassium, fiber, key minerals, and real, lasting energy. Whether you're playing on center court or just hitting with friends, they're an easy, clean way to power up before, during, and after a match."

Michael Chang (center) at Indian Wells earlier this year. Photo courtesy of California Dates.

It is a fitting lane for Chang, whose professional career was defined as much by his physical resilience as his shot-making. He won the 1989 French Open at 17, becoming the youngest man ever to win a major singles championship, eventually collecting 34 singles titles and reaching No. 2 in the world.

California Dates has continued building around the association. Its sports-nutrition campaign features Chang as the face of using dates before, during and after training, while the organization's new National California Date Month campaign follows a summer promotional push featuring the tennis legend.

The idea is to push California Dates as a smart (and healthy) tennis snack: California-grown dates contain naturally occurring carbohydrates along with fiber, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients, making them an easy portable option for players looking for whole-food fuel.

For Chang, the message fits the sport he has spent his life around.

"Whether you're playing on center court or just hitting with friends," he said, "they're an easy, clean way to power up before, during, and after a match."

Learn more about Michael Chang's work with California Dates.

Sources: California Date Commission | California Dates

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