Choi Ji-hee

Choi Ji-hee (born 10 February 1995 in Seoul, South Korea) is a retired South Korean professional tennis player who spent more than a decade competing on the ITF Circuit and the WTA Tour. Growing up in a sports‑oriented family, she began playing tennis at the age of five and quickly distinguished herself on the junior circuit, earning a reputation for a solid two‑handed backhand and relentless baseline play. She turned pro in the early 2010s, and by 2016 she broke into the WTA rankings, achieving a career‑high singles ranking of No. 339 on 6 June 2016. Over the course of her career she amassed a singles record of 198–196, capturing three ITF singles titles and reaching six additional finals. Her earnings surpassed $125,000, a testament to her consistency in lower‑tier events and gradual ascent in the highly competitive world of women's tennis. While her singles results were respectable, Choi truly shone in doubles, where she claimed one WTA Tour title, one WTA 125 title, and an impressive twenty‑two ITF doubles crowns. Partnering compatriot Han Na‑lae, she lifted the trophy at the 2018 Korea Open, defeating the seasoned pair of Hsieh Shu‑ying and Hsieh Su‑wei, and repeated the triumph in 2021 against Valentini Grammatikopoulou and Réka Luca Jani. Her partnership with Han propelled her to a career‑high doubles ranking of No. 111 on 15 July 2019, and she compiled a doubles win–loss record of 255–176. Representing South Korea in the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup), Choi posted a 4–6 record, contributing to the nation’s efforts on the international stage. After her final professional match in September 2024, she announced her retirement, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and a role model status for aspiring South Korean tennis players.