Naoko Sawamatsu
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Naoko Sawamatsu (沢松奈生子, born in March 23, 1973) is a former professional tennis player. She was the best rival of Kimiko Date, at the peak of Japanese women's tennis. Her best ranking was World No.14 (February 6, 1995).
At the time of Australian Open 1995, her family survived Great Hanshin earthquake (January 17, 1995). She made her best record of Grand Slam events there. She beat her fellow rival Kimiko Date in the third round, then lost Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in the quarterfinal.
She won 6 professional titles including 2 ITF titles in her career. Her most significant title came in 1993 Strasbourg where she defeated clay courter Judith Wiesner (AUT) in the final. Naoko had much success at Strasbourg as in 1991 she got to semi-final 1992 she went one better getting to the final where she lost to Judith Wiesner and in 1993 won title reversing the result of the previous year.
Naoko retired from professional tennis after her loss in the 2nd round of the Japan Open in 1998. Her last match was tough and emotional, she lost to Monica Seles 6–3 3–6 6–3. Naoko was a known as a fighter on the circuit who had a never say die attitude, she had wins over the following players Martina Hingis, Lindsay Davenport, Kimiko Date, Mary Joe Fernandez, Amanda Coetzer, Conchita Martinez and other formidable players.
Naoko's career prize money totaled $1,107,264 with a win/loss record in singles of 205-143.
Since retirement Naoko has been involved in the development of the sport in her native country.
Her end of year rankings are as follows:
1998-55 / 1997-34 / 1996-34 /1995*-17 /1994-26 /1993-28 /1992-24 / 1991-33 / 1990-31 /1989-256
- Best season on tour with a win/loss record of 24-13 also reaching highest ranking of number 14 during the season.
[edit] External links
- Naoko Sawamatsu profile on the WTA Tour's official website
