Carol Zhao
A Canadian tennis player who seamlessly blended a standout collegiate career at Stanford with a resilient professional journey on the global tour.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Canadian tennis player born 1995·Birthday: June 20·Millennials
Biography
Carol Zhao's tennis story is one of scholarly athletic excellence. Hailing from Canada, she first made waves as a top-ten junior, claiming a Grand Slam title in doubles at the Australian Open. Her decision to attend Stanford University proved transformative; she became a linchpin for the Cardinal women's team, compiling an impressive singles record and leading them to the 2016 NCAA team championship. Her runner-up finish in the 2015 NCAA singles tournament underscored her status as one of the best college players of her era. Transitioning to the professional circuit, Zhao navigated the challenging grind of the WTA and ITF tours, battling to break into the top 150 in singles. Her career represents the dual path of modern tennis, maximizing the college experience before taking on the world's best.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Carol was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Carol Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Carol's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2016 NCAA team championship as a member of the Stanford University tennis team.
- Was the runner-up in the 2015 NCAA women's singles championship.
- Won the Australian Open junior girls' doubles title in 2013.
- Achieved a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 131 in June 2018.
Did You Know?
She was born in Beijing, China, and moved to Canada at a young age.
Zhao was a three-time ITA All-American at Stanford University.
She won the 2013 Australian Open junior doubles title with fellow Canadian tennis player Ana Konjuh.
“I’m a student of the game, on the court and off, always looking for that small edge.”
