Shuzo Matsuoka facts for kids
Matsuoka in 2014
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| Country (sports) | Japan |
|---|---|
| Residence | Tokyo, Japan |
| Born | 6 November 1967 Tokyo, Japan |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Turned pro | 1986 |
| Retired | 1998 |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Prize money | $1,117,112 |
| Official website | http://www.shuzo.co.jp/ |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 145–163 |
| Career titles | 1 |
| Highest ranking | No. 46 (6 July 1992) |
| Grand Slam singles results | |
| Australian Open | 2R (1989) |
| French Open | 2R (1992, 1993) |
| Wimbledon | QF (1995) |
| US Open | 2R (1988, 1990, 1993) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 28–44 |
| Career titles | 1 |
| Highest ranking | No. 95 (16 January 1989) |
| Grand Slam doubles results | |
| Australian Open | 1R (1989) |
| US Open | 1R (1988) |
Shuzo Matsuoka (松岡 修造, Matsuoka Shūzō, born 6 November 1967) is a famous Japanese person. He used to be a professional tennis player. After he stopped playing tennis, he became a sports commentator and an entertainer. He is well-known for his motivational videos online.
Contents
Shuzo Matsuoka's Tennis Career
Shuzo Matsuoka started his professional tennis career in 1986. He quickly showed his talent on the court.
Early Tennis Success
In 1989, Matsuoka was the runner-up in a big tournament in Wellington, New Zealand. That same year, he won a doubles title in Auckland. In 1991, he reached the quarter-finals of the Canada Masters in Montreal. This was one of his best results in a major tournament. He even beat famous player Michael Chang in a tough match.
Winning Titles and High Rankings
In 1992, Matsuoka made history. He became the first Japanese player to win a singles title on the ATP Tour. This happened at the Seoul tournament. Later that year, he also reached the final at the important grass court tournament at Queen's Club in the UK. He beat top players like Goran Ivanisevic and world No. 2 Stefan Edberg before losing in the final. In 1992, he reached his highest singles ranking: world No. 46.
Wimbledon Quarter-Finals
Matsuoka was very good at playing on grass courts. His best performance at a Grand Slam tournament was at Wimbledon in 1995. He reached the quarter-finals, which is a big achievement. He won several matches against strong players before facing Pete Sampras, one of the greatest tennis players ever. Matsuoka won the first set, but Sampras came back to win the match.
Facing Challenges and Changing Rules
During 1995, Matsuoka had problems with muscle cramps. In February, he had to stop a match at the Davis Cup because of an injury.
Later that year, at the US Open, something very important happened. During a match, Matsuoka collapsed because of severe cramps in his legs. He was in a lot of pain on the court. At that time, if a player got medical help during a match, they would lose the game. So, Matsuoka had to suffer until he was forced to stop playing because he couldn't continue. This incident was so serious that it led to a change in the rules of professional tennis. Now, players are allowed to get medical treatment during matches without losing the game.
Shuzo Matsuoka retired from professional tennis in April 1998. He earned over $1.1 million in prize money during his career.
Life After Tennis
After retiring from tennis, Shuzo Matsuoka became very popular in Japan.
Sports Commentator and Coach
He is now a well-known television sports commentator. He works for a show called "Hodo Station," where he interviews talented athletes. Matsuoka also hosts the "Shuzo Challenge." This is an annual tennis camp for young children, created by the JTA. A famous Japanese tennis player, Kei Nishikori, attended this camp when he was 12 years old.
Entertainer and TV Host
Matsuoka is known for his energetic and passionate personality. He has appeared in many TV shows and even had a small role in a TV drama. Since 2000, he has hosted a weekly cooking show called "Kuishinbo! Banzai" on Fuji TV. In 2008, he was in ten TV commercials, which was a lot for a celebrity in Japan that year!
Motivational Videos Online
Since 2006, Matsuoka has been making a web series of motivational videos called For you (こんなあなたに･･･, Konna Anata ni...). He films these videos in different places he visits for work. In the videos, Matsuoka shouts encouraging phrases to the camera. Sometimes, he is in funny or unusual situations. These videos have become very popular online, with millions of views. Fans often edit them with music or other fun additions. In one famous video, Matsuoka is collecting clams in very cold water (minus 10 degrees Celsius) and shouts "Never give up" in English. Matsuoka is happy that his videos are so popular and inspire many people.
Shuzo Matsuoka's Family Life
Shuzo Matsuoka married Emiko Taguchi, a former TV announcer, in 1998. They have three children. His father, Isao Matsuoka, is the chairman of Toho Co., Ltd.. This is a famous Japanese film studio known for its Godzilla movies. Shuzo's daughter joined the Takarazuka Revue in 2019, which is a famous all-female musical theater group in Japan. Her stage name is Kishou Kazuto.
See also
In Spanish: Shuzo Matsuoka para niños
