Chanelle Scheepers reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 37 on 10 October 2011, a milestone achieved shortly after securing her first WTA singles title in Guangzhou. Born on 13 March 1984 in Harrismith, South Africa, she built a professional career spanning over a decade, marked by consistent participation across both ITF and WTA circuits.
Professional Development and Early ITF Success
Scheepers turned professional in 2000, initially competing in ITF events to build her standing. Her early years were defined by rapid development, including four ITF titles in 2001, three of which were held in her home country of Durban, South Africa. By 2002, she added a title in Mackay, Australia. Following a difficult period in 2003 that included a 19-match losing streak, she rebounded in 2004 by claiming four ITF titles in Nigeria and South Africa. She maintained this level of activity throughout the mid-2000s, finding consistent success in Lagos and Allentown by 2007.
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The year 2009 marked her main-draw debut at both the Australian Open and the French Open. Her trajectory continued upward in 2010 when she reached the fourth round of the French Open, defeating Mathilde Johansson, Gisela Dulko, and Akgul Amanmuradova before losing to Elena Dementieva. Her most successful year on the tour followed in 2011. She reached the third round of the Australian Open and the US Open, eventually winning the Guangzhou International Women's Open by defeating Magdaléna Rybáriková in the final. This victory propelled her to her peak ranking of world No. 37.
Doubles Performance and Retirement
Beyond her singles career, Scheepers was an active doubles competitor. Her best performance at a Grand Slam in this category occurred at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, where she reached the semifinals alongside partner Shuko Aoyama. She reached a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 42 in April 2014. Her final years on the tour included a runner-up finish at the 2014 Swedish Open against Mona Barthel. Scheepers retired from professional tennis in August 2015 and subsequently pursued a coaching career, including work with American player Alison Riske.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 March 1984, Harrismith, South Africa
- Turned professional: 2000
- Career-high singles ranking: No. 37
- Career-high doubles ranking: No. 42
- WTA singles titles: 1
- ITF singles titles: 12
- ITF doubles titles: 20
- Retired: August 2015
Questions readers ask
When did Chanelle Scheepers retire?
She retired from professional tennis in August 2015.
Did she win any WTA titles?
Yes, she won one WTA singles title and one WTA doubles title during her career.
