The 1997 US Open marked a milestone in tennis history when Tamarine Tanasugarn played the inaugural match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating Chanda Rubin. Born in Los Angeles in 1977 to Thai parents, she became a professional in 1994 and eventually achieved the highest WTA ranking ever recorded for a Thai female player.
Professional Ascent and Rankings
Tanasugarn reached a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 19 on 13 May 2002. Her doubles career was equally notable, peaking at No. 15 on 13 September 2004. Throughout her tenure on the tour, she secured four singles titles and eight doubles titles. Her tactical versatility was particularly evident on grass courts, where she maintained one of the highest match-win records among active players for much of her career.
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The 2008 Wimbledon Championships served as the site of her greatest individual achievement, where she reached the singles quarterfinals. Her doubles success included reaching the 2004 US Open quarterfinals alongside partner Liezel Huber and the 2011 Wimbledon semifinals with Marina Erakovic. Earlier in her path, she reached the 1995 Junior Grand Slam final at Wimbledon.
Style and Strategy
Regarded as a grass-court specialist, Tanasugarn relied on accurate, flat ground strokes and a heavy, low-staying slice serve that proved difficult for opponents to navigate. Players including Venus Williams noted the specific challenge of her low-trajectory shots. While her serve was considered a relative weakness, her ability to frustrate top-tier opponents, such as Dinara Safina, Jennifer Capriati, and Simona Halep, defined her reputation as a formidable, unconventional competitor.
Team Competition and Education
Beyond the WTA circuit, she was a fixture for the Thailand Fed Cup team, playing an instrumental role in the team's promotion to the World Group II in 2005 and 2006 after victories over Australia and Croatia. Her early development was supported by her father, Virachai Tanasugarn. She balanced her professional athletics with academic pursuits, graduating with a law degree from Bangkok University in 2000 after attending the Triam Udom Suksa School.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 May 1977, Los Angeles
- Turned professional: 1994
- Career-high singles ranking: No. 19
- Career-high doubles ranking: No. 15
- Education: Triam Udom Suksa School, Bangkok University
- Languages: English, Thai
Questions readers ask
What is Tanasugarn's highest WTA ranking?
She reached No. 19 in the world on 13 May 2002.
Did she win any Grand Slam titles?
She did not win a Grand Slam title, though she reached the singles quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2008 and the women's doubles semifinals at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships.
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