Kimiko Date

Kimiko Date was a Japanese professional tennis player who was ranked number four in the world in November 1995. Date’s professional career was split into two distinct phases, the first spanning from 1989 until she retired in November 1996. After a 12-year break, Date made a surprise comeback in April 2008. She went on to win multiple titles before retiring for good in September 2017.

Date’s first win on the ITF circuit came in November 1988 in Matsuyama, Japan, defeating Maya Kidowaki in straight sets. Her first victory in a WTA final came in April 1992 at the Japan Open with a win against Sabine Appelmans. During the first half of her career, Date would win seven WTA titles and five ITF titles. She also reached the semi-finals of three Grand Slam tournaments in the mid-1990s, with appearances at the Australian Open (1994), the French Open (1995), and Wimbledon (1996). Date first retired from tennis a few months after her Wimbledon semi-final at the age of 25.

Twelve years after retiring Date made a return to tennis in April 2008 at the age of 37. The following year she won the Korea Open, becoming the second-oldest player in the Open era to win a WTA singles title (though 2023). Date continued to win top-level tournaments, including three WTA doubles titles in 2013. In 2014, at the age of 43, she reached the semi-finals of the US Open. Date retired for good following the 2017 Japan Women’s Open due to a long-term knee and shoulder injury.

Date also had success at international sporting events. At the 1994 Asian Games she won gold in the singles, and won a bronze in the singles at the 2010 Asian Games. She competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, reaching the semi-finals in the singles at the latter.