Career Highlights
1998
With partner Elena Likhovtseva, qualified for the season-ending Chase Championships for the first time as one of the world's top eight doubles teams.
Earned her second career singles title on the WTA Tour at Gold Coast, Australia, in the first week of the season without the loss of a set. Also won the doubles title with Elena Likhovtseva.
The week following her win at Gold Coast, upset world No. 11 Conchita Martinez en route to the semifinals in Sydney.
Seeded for the first time at a Grand Slam at the Australian Open (seeded 16th), advancing to the fourth round. Her world ranking rose to a then-career high No. 16 following the tournament.
Captured her second title of by defending her crown at the Japan Open, becoming the third player to win the tournament more than once.
Recorded biggest victory of career at the German Open, defeating world No. 4 Amanda Coetzer to reach the quarterfinals.
After defeating Jennifer Capriati in the first round at San Diego, upset Steffi Graf 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 -- both Capriati and Graf were former champions there and had undefeated records at the tournament.
Joined the Million Dollar Club in career prize money.
1997
Ranked among the world's Top 20 players for the first time in November.
Won first-ever Tour singles title at the Japan Open, defeating three-time finalist Amy Frazier for the crown and earned her first win in three tries over Kimberly Po in the semifinals.
Ranked No. 30, defeated four higher-ranked opponents, including No. 9 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, to reach the final of Moscow, losing to No. 2 Jana Novotna. It marked her first Tier I tournament final and the win over Sanchez Vicario was her third over a Top 10 player.
Reached final at first tournament of the year at the Gold Coast, falling to third seed Elena Likhovtseva in a three-set final.
Teamed with Monica Seles for the first time at Toyota Princess Cup in Tokyo to win the doubles title.
Scored Japan's only victory in a 4-1 loss to France in the first round of the Fed Cup by defeating 12th-ranked Mary Pierce 7-5, 6-7, 6-4.
Upset 10th-ranked Jana Novotna in third round at Lipton for her first win over a Top 10 player.
1996
Earned first career win over a Top 5 player and second of year over a Top 10 player at Wimbledon, upsetting fifth-ranked Anke Huber to reach fourth round, her best Wimbledon showing.
Representing Japan, ousted 15th seed Martina Hingis of Switzerland in second round at Olympics.
1995
One of career-best Grand Slam performances came at Roland Garros, reaching fourth round.
|