Mai Minokoshi

Minokoshi was born in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture on 16 April 1992.[1] She commenced playing tennis at seven years of age at a public tennis court near her family home with her parents and older sister.[2] Her father, who is a school teacher, transferred to a night school so that he could coach Minokishi during the day.[2] During her career Minokishi has also been coached by professional coaches including former player Tasuku Iwami.[2]

Minokoshi attended Funabashi Junior High School and Shumei Yachiyo High School.[1] In 2005 Minokoshi was runner-up in the All-Japan Junior Tennis Tournament, and in both 2009 and 2010 she was runner-up in the singles tournament of the national high school tournament.[3] It was her success at the national tournaments which gave her the confidence to turn professional.[2]

After graduating from high school in March 2011, Minokoshi officially turned professional the following month.[2] She soon garnered attention from the Japanese media and signed a contract with entertainment agency Yoshimoto Kogyo in June 2011.[4]

In February 2019 she signed an employment contract with Japanese investment firm Ando Securities, joining the company's stable of female tennis players that includes Kurumi Nara, Ayumi Morita and Yuki Tanaka.[3]

Minokoshi is known for her strong right-handed, one-handed forehand shot.[3] As of March 16, 2020, Minokoshi holds a singles rating of 717, with a career high of 255; and a 448 doubles ranking (including ITF, WTA, and Fed Cup professional level results), with a career high of 334.[5] Her career doubles record is 86 wins to 121 losses,[5] and has a career total winnings of $110,682.[6]

Her career tournament wins include the 2017 Kashiwa International singles and the 2018 ITF Wuhan doubles.[3]