MELBOURNE — In a poignant and emotional announcement that reverberated around the tennis world, former world No. 1 in doubles and 2019 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Latisha Chan has announced her immediate retirement from professional tennis at the Australian Open.
The 34-year-old from Taiwan, a beloved figure renowned for her sportsmanship and formidable net play, made the decision following her first-round women's doubles defeat alongside Hao-Ching Chan. She confirmed the news in a heartfelt press conference, marking the end of a 17-year professional career that yielded 34 WTA doubles titles.
A Champion's Journey to the Top
Chan, who played under the name Chan Yung-jan until 2018, first rose to prominence as a singles player, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 50 in 2007. However, it was in doubles where she cemented her legacy. Partnering primarily with her sister, Hao-Ching Chan, and later with Martina Hingis, Chan ascended to the world No. 1 ranking in October 2017.
Her career is decorated with significant milestones, including winning the 2017 US Open women's doubles title with Hingis in a dominant partnership. But perhaps the crowning individual achievement of her career came on the hallowed grass of the All England Club. In 2019, partnering Croatia's Ivan Dodig, Chan captured the Wimbledon mixed doubles title.
Reflecting on that career-defining moment, Chan said, "Winning Wimbledon was a dream I held since I was a little girl. To stand there with Ivan, holding that trophy, was more than just a victory. It was the culmination of a lifetime of work and love for this sport. The feeling is something I will carry with me forever."
The Decision to Step Away
The decision to retire, while sudden to the public, was one Chan had been contemplating. She cited a desire to pursue new chapters in her life and the increasing physical demands of the tour as key factors. "My body has been talking to me for a while," she shared with a smile. "And my heart is telling me it's time to listen. The tour is incredibly demanding, and I feel I have given everything I can as a player."
Chan's career was defined not just by titles, but by her remarkable consistency and dedication. Key highlights of her illustrious doubles career include:
- Reaching the World No. 1 ranking in doubles (October 23, 2017).
- Winning the 2017 US Open (w/ Hingis) and 2019 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles (w/ Dodig).
- Capturing a total of 34 WTA doubles titles across all surfaces.
- Representing Taiwan in multiple Fed Cup/Billie Jean King Cup campaigns and Olympic Games.
- Spending a total of 26 weeks as the top-ranked doubles player in the world.
An Emotional Farewell at Melbourne Park
The atmosphere was charged with emotion following her final match. Fellow players, coaches, and fans paid tribute to a player widely respected for her professionalism and warm demeanor. In her post-match address, Chan fought back tears as she thanked her team, family, and the global tennis community.
"Tennis has given me a life I never imagined. It has taught me about resilience, about friendship across cultures, and about the pursuit of excellence. I am so grateful for every match, every partner, every opponent, and every fan who cheered me on," she stated.
Her long-time mixed doubles partner, Ivan Dodig, was quick to pay tribute. "Latisha is not only an incredible champion but one of the best people on tour. Playing with her at Wimbledon was a special moment in my career. Her positivity and fighting spirit are unmatched. She will be greatly missed."
Legacy and Life Beyond the Baseline
Beyond her on-court achievements, Chan is celebrated for her ambassadorial role for tennis in Asia and her philanthropic efforts. She has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, focusing on youth sports development and education in Taiwan.
When asked about her future plans, Chan hinted at a continued connection to the sport, but in a different capacity. "I want to stay involved in tennis. Perhaps in coaching, development, or commentary. I also look forward to having more time for my family and exploring interests I had to put aside. This isn't an end, but a new beginning."
A Final Serve from a Champion
The WTA and tournament organizers at Melbourne Park honored Chan with a ceremony, highlighting her career achievements and contributions to the sport. As the tributes poured in from across the globe, the consensus was clear: Latisha Chan retires not just as a Wimbledon champion and former world No. 1, but as a true ambassador of the game.
Her final words to aspiring players were characteristic of her gracious spirit: "Play with heart, respect the game and your opponents, and never forget to enjoy the journey. The titles are wonderful, but the person you become through the struggle is the real trophy."
With her retirement, the WTA tour loses one of its most consistent and dignified champions. Latisha Chan's legacy, however, defined by grace, perseverance, and that magical Wimbledon triumph, will undoubtedly inspire future generations long after her final match point.