WTA Honors Groundbreaking Athlete Latisha Chan

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WTA Honors Groundbreaking Athlete Latisha Chan

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has officially recognized Latisha Chan Yung-Jan for her remarkable contributions to tennis, coinciding with her retirement announcement. Chan, a trailblazer from Chinese Taipei, has made significant strides in both singles and doubles throughout her career.

Career Highlights of Latisha Chan

Latisha Chan first gained attention at 17, achieving a singles ranking of No. 50. She reached the finals at the Bangkok tournament, ultimately losing to Flavia Pennetta. However, it was in doubles where Chan truly excelled, securing 33 titles from 59 finals, which includes nine WTA 1000 events and a prestigious US Open victory in 2017 with partner Martina Hingis.

Grand Slam Performances

  • Debut: 2007 Australian Open (finalist with Chuang Chia-Jung)
  • Runner-Up:
    • 2007 US Open
    • 2015 Australian Open
  • Mixed Doubles Titles:
    • Roland Garros 2018
    • Roland Garros 2019
    • Wimbledon 2019

Record-Breaking Achievements

Chan’s peak year was 2017, during which she won 11 doubles titles, including two with her sister, Chan Hao-Ching. That year, she also reached No. 1 in doubles, making her the second player from Chinese Taipei to achieve this milestone, following Hsieh Su-Wei. Chan held the top position for 34 weeks, a testament to her skill and consistency.

Olympic and Regional Success

As a four-time Olympian, Chan also made a significant impact in the Billie Jean King Cup, with a record of 22 wins and 15 losses in singles and doubles. At the Asian Games, she stands out as Chinese Taipei’s most decorated athlete, having won nine medals: five gold, three silver, and one bronze.

Final Exhibition and Legacy

Chan concluded her Grand Slam career at the 2023 Roland Garros, reaching the quarterfinals with her sister. Together, Latisha and Angel Chan are recognized as the most successful doubles sister-act in WTA history, second only to the legendary Williams sisters.

Career Overview

Latisha Chan retires with an impressive doubles record of 572 wins and 277 losses. Her career prize money totals nearly $6.2 million. Following her retirement, she remains available for interviews at the 2026 Australian Open and has recently completed a Ph.D. in Transnational Sport Innovation Management at National Taiwan Sport University.