When Japan’s Ai Sugiyama stepped on the court at the 2009 Australian Open for her opening round match against Canada’s Stephanie Dubois,  she extended her record for most consecutive appearances at majors to a total of 59.  

At the 2008 Wimbledon tournament, Ai Sugiyama surpassed South Africa’s Wayne Ferreira who was the previous record holder at 56 appearances.  To put Sugiyama’s feat into perspective, her 59 appearances equates to almost 15 years without missing an Australian, French, Wimbledon, or US Open.  

Sugiyama’s best result at a major is her quarterfinal appearances at the 2000 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2004.     

Sugiyama was knocked out in the 3rd round of this year’s Australian open by Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 6-4.