Ultimate Finish
In 1990, she played her first Tour event in Tokyo. Nineteen years later and in the same city, Ai Sugiyama finished an incredible career at the Toray Pan Pacific Open. Coached by her mother, Sugiyama collected six singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 8. She was more accomplished in doubles, posting 38 titles and climbing to No. 1, becoming the first Asian to hold the top ranking on Tour.
“Without my mom, I wouldn't have had this career,” Sugiyama said. “She helped me a lot. She's amazing. Even if she weren't my mom, I'd ask her to be my coach. Our relationship is great. Sometimes mothers and daughters don't communicate easily, but we do. She's tough on me sometimes but I think I need it.”
The 34-year-old's most talked-about feat was her Grand Slam streak. She holds the record for the most consecutive Grand Slam main draws played (male or female) with 62. Sugiyama's last singles match was September 27, 2009. Trailing Nadia Petrova 6-0 2-1, she was forced to retire with a stomach illness. She did, however, reach the doubles final with Daniela Hantuchova. The Japanese icon will be missed for her tennis, as well as for her grace and warm personality.
“I had so many good friends on Tour. The time I spent with them was incredible. I'll treasure it always. We compete hard on the court, but when you're off the court you're friends. To have made those nice friends meant a lot to me - more than my tennis career,” Ai said.
