Ai Sugiyama

• Residence: Kanagawa, Japan
• DOB: July 5, 1975
• Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
• Height: 5' 4 1/4" (1.63 m)
• Weight: 121 lbs. (55 kg)
• Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Biography

Ai Sugiyama is a former world no.1 in women's doubles, and is currently ranked world no. 5 in doubles, she is considered to be one of the best doubles player in the WTA Tour.

In singles as of April 6, 2009 , she has a career-high singles ranking of world no.8 achieved on February 9, 2004. She is currently Asia's no. 4, and Japan's no. 1, ranking world no. 34 in the tour. She turned professional in 1992.

In her career so far, she has won 6 singles titles and 37 doubles titles, including three Grand Slam women's doubles titles (1 with Frenchwoman Julie Halard-Decugis and 2 partnering Belgian Kim Clijsters). Ai has the all-time record, for both male and female players, for the most consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances which currently stands at 60 making her one of the most consistent tour players.

Ai is coached by her mother and plays a game based on her fitness and speed, utilizing an aggressive serve and volley whenever feasible.

Career History