Naoko Sawamatsu

is a former professional tennis player. During her career she won 4 WTA career singles titles. Sawamatsu reached a career high ranking of World No. 14 on 6 February 1995. At the time of the 1995 Australian Open her family survived the Great Hanshin earthquake and Sawamatsu went on to achieve her best Grand Slam result at Melbourne Park, reaching the quarter finals by defeating compatriot Ai Sugiyama, Laurence Courtois, Kimiko Date in the third round, Mary Joe Fernandez in the fourth round before losing to Arantxa Sánchez Vicario.

Sawamatsu's most significant title came in 1993 at Strasbourg, she defeated clay courter Judith Wiesner in the final. Sawamatsu had much success at Strasbourg reaching the semifinals in 1991, final in 1992 losing to Judith Wiesner.

Sawamatsu retired from professional tennis after losing in the second round of the 1998 Japan Open to Monica Seles in a three set match 6–3, 3–6, 6–3. Sawamatsu had wins over the following players during her career Martina Hingis, Lindsay Davenport, Kimiko Date, Mary Joe Fernandez, Amanda Coetzer, and Conchita Martínez. She was the first player to be beaten by Venus Williams in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament, at the French Open in 1997.

Sawamatsu's career prize money totalled US$1,107,264 with a win/loss record in singles of 205-143.

Since retirement, Sawamatsu has been involved in the development of the sport in her native country.

Sawamatsu is the daughter of tennis player Junko Sawamatsu and the niece of 1975 Wimbledon ladies doubles champion Kazuko Sawamatsu.

WTA Tour finals

Singles: 7 (4–3)

Performance timeline

References

External links 
 
 
 

Category:1973 births
Category:Living people
Category:Japanese female tennis players
Category:Olympic tennis players of Japan
Category:People from Nishinomiya
Category:Sportspeople from Hyōgo Prefecture
Category:Tennis players at the 1992 Summer Olympics
Category:Asian Games medalists in tennis
Category:Tennis players at the 1990 Asian Games
Category:Tennis players at the 1994 Asian Games
Category:Medalists at the 1990 Asian Games
Category:Medalists at the 1994 Asian Games
Category:Asian Games gold medalists for Japan
Category:Asian Games silver medalists for Japan