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]