Carol Zhao has announced that the 2026 season will be the final chapter of her professional tennis career. At the age of 31, Zhao brings to a close a journey that saw her represent Canada on the world stage, capture multiple World Tennis singles and doubles titles, win a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games, and reach a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 131.
“Congratulations to Carol [Zhao] on an outstanding career, and we wish her success in the next chapter of her journey,” said Noëlle van Lottum, Head of Women’s Tennis at Tennis Canada. “Carol has been a respected figure in Canadian tennis for many years through her dedication, professionalism and love of the game. We thank Carol for her many contributions to the sport, including representing Canada many times on the international stage, and wish her nothing but the best moving forward.”
Zhao moved to Richmond Hill, Ontario, with her family at the age of seven and quickly emerged as one of Canada’s top young tennis prospects. She trained at Tennis Canada’s National Training Centre presented by Rogers in Montreal before beginning her junior career that included winning the 2013 Australian Open girls’ doubles title and achieving a career-high junior ranking of No. 9 in the world.
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Zhao continued her success at Stanford University, where she was a key member of the 2016 NCAA championship team. Following her graduation, she turned professional and went on to establish herself on the international circuit. In 2017, Zhao won six World Tennis titles, including a W100 in Shenzhen, and the doubles title at the Saguenay National Bank Challenger, alongside fellow Ontarian Bianca Andreescu. She had another successful campaign in 2022, including a W100 singles title in Charleston, and a W25 doubles title in Cancun. In 2023, Zhao battled through qualifying to earn her place in the main draw at Wimbledon.
In 2015, Zhao partnered with Gabriela Dabrowski to win the women’s doubles gold medal at the Pan-Am Games in Toronto, one of the most memorable achievements of her time donning the Maple Leaf. Zhao also represented Canada in Billie Jean King Cup competition seven times, with a doubles record of 3/1.
Zhao will make one final appearance at her hometown tournament, the National Bank Open presented by Rogers in Toronto, where she was awarded a main-draw wild card. She will play her first match during the day session on Monday, August 3 against Magda Linette.
Following her retirement, Zhao will join the Tennis Canada Board of Directors as an observing member, continuing her longstanding commitment to the Canadian tennis community.
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Feature Photo: Patrice Lapointe/Tennis Canada
