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 former professional tennis player. He is also known as a sports commentator, entertainer, and motivational speaker. Matsuoka reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon and won one singles title during his career. In 1992, he reached his highest ranking as world No. 46. After retiring from tennis, he became very popular online for his short, inspiring videos.
Contents
Shuzo Matsuoka's Tennis Career
Becoming a Pro Player
Shuzo Matsuoka started his professional tennis career in 1986. In 1989, he was the runner-up in a big tournament in Wellington, New Zealand. That same year, he won a doubles title in Auckland. In 1991, Matsuoka played very well at the Canada Masters in Montreal. He reached the quarter-finals after beating famous player Michael Chang in a tough match.
Winning Titles and Big Matches
In 1992, Matsuoka made history by becoming the first Japanese player to win a singles event on the ATP Tour. He won the title in Seoul, Korea. Later that year, he was also the runner-up at the important grass court tournament at Queen's Club in the UK. On his way to the final, he defeated top players like Goran Ivanisevic and world No. 2 Stefan Edberg.
Wimbledon Success
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 huge achievement. He beat several strong players before losing to the legendary Pete Sampras. Matsuoka won the first set, but Sampras came back to win the match.
A Rule Change in Tennis
During his career, Matsuoka sometimes suffered from severe muscle cramps. In 1995, at the US Open, he collapsed during a match because of cramps. At that time, players were not allowed to get medical help during a match without losing the game. Matsuoka had to suffer on the court until he was disqualified for delaying the match. This incident was very important. It led to a change in the rules of professional tennis. Now, players can receive medical treatment during matches without being disqualified.
Career Highlights and Retirement
Shuzo Matsuoka's highest ranking in singles was world No. 46 in 1992. In doubles, his highest ranking was world No. 95 in 1989. Throughout his career, he earned over $1.1 million in prize money. He stopped playing professional tennis in April 1998.
Life After Tennis
Sports Commentator and Coach
After retiring from tennis, Shuzo Matsuoka became a very popular television sports commentator in Japan. He works for a show called "Hodo Station," where he interviews talented athletes. He also hosts the "Shuzo Challenge," which is an annual tennis camp for young children. This camp was created by the JTA. Famous Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori attended this camp when he was 12 years old.
Entertainer and Motivational Speaker
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! Bansai" on Fuji TV. In 2008, he was featured in ten television commercials, showing how popular he is in Japan.
Since 2006, Matsuoka has been releasing 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 at the camera, sometimes in funny or unusual situations. These videos have become very popular online, with millions of views. Fans often edit them with uplifting music. In one famous video, Matsuoka is harvesting clams in very cold water and shouts "Never give up" in English. He has said he is excited about how popular his "For you" series and fan-made videos have become.
Shuzo Matsuoka's Family Life
Shuzo Matsuoka married Emiko Taguchi, a former TV Tokyo announcer, in 1998. They have three children together. His father, Isao Matsuoka, is the chairman of Toho Co., Ltd.. Toho is a famous Japanese film studio known for its Godzilla movies and films by Akira Kurosawa. Matsuoka's daughter joined the Takarazuka Revue in 2019, which is a famous Japanese all-female musical theater troupe. Her stage name is Kishou Kazuto.
Filmography
- Crayon Shin-chan (2015), himself (voice)
- Rikuoh (2017), Jōji Misono
See also
In Spanish: Shuzo Matsuoka para niños
