September 23, 1989: Aaron Krickstein's "Marathon Man" Comeback in Los Angeles

Aaron Krickstein, then ranked world No. 16, showcased his "Marathon Man" resilience on September 23, 1989. He achieved a remarkable comeback against Michael Chang in the Los Angeles final, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 after trailing 6-2, 4-1. This victory solidified his reputation.

The Players: Americans Aaron Krickstein and Brad Gilbert

Aaron Krickstein, born in 1967, became the youngest player to win a Tour title at 16 in 1983. He was also the youngest to finish a year in the top 100. His career was hampered by injuries, but he secured five titles. In September 1989, he was world No. 16, having reached his first US Open semi-final.

Brad Gilbert, born in 1961, turned pro in 1982 and won his first of 16 titles that year. His tactical game, rather than raw power, defined his play. He reached a career-high No. 7 in September 1989, winning four tournaments that year. His best Grand Slam performance was the 1987 US Open quarter-finals.

Gilbert also earned a bronze medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

The Venue: Los Angeles Tennis Centre, UCLA

The Los Angeles Tennis Tournament, established in 1927, moved to the Los Angeles Tennis Centre at UCLA in 1984. This men's hard-court event, held shortly after the US Open, attracted top players. Past champions included American legends Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe.

The Match: Krickstein Recovers from 6-1, 5-2 Down

The 1989 Los Angeles semi-final pitted No. 2 seed Brad Gilbert against No. 5 seed Aaron Krickstein. Both players were in strong form. Gilbert had won four titles that year and was ranked a career-high No. 7, while Krickstein had just reached the US Open semi-finals. Both had advanced to this stage without dropping a set.

Gilbert dominated early, leading 6-1, 5-2. However, he failed to convert four match points when serving at 5-3. Krickstein, down 0-40 at 5-5, saved three match points to stay alive. Gilbert, despite breaking a racket in frustration, managed to break back and force a tiebreak. Krickstein played a flawless tiebreak to win the second set. Gilbert, disheartened, lost the third set 6-2.

Aftermath: Krickstein and Gilbert Reach Career-High Rankings

The following day, in the final, Krickstein again came from behind, defeating Michael Chang 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 to win his sixth career title.

Krickstein reached his career-high ranking of world No. 6. His other notable Grand Slam performance was reaching the 1995 Australian Open semi-finals.

Gilbert achieved world No. 4 in early 1990. He later became a successful coach for Andre Agassi and Andy Murray, authored the book Winning Ugly, and worked as a TV commentator.