Sharon Fichman
A Canadian tennis pioneer who broke into the world's top 80 in singles and top 25 in doubles, paving the way for her nation's next generation.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Canadian tennis player·Birthday: December 3·Millennials
Biography
Sharon Fichman's career is a narrative of resilience, marked by significant highs and challenging injuries. A prodigy who won junior Grand Slam doubles titles, she carried the hopes of Canadian tennis before the arrival of the current stars. As a professional, she was a tenacious competitor, her game built on solid groundstrokes and intelligent court craft. She reached a singles ranking inside the world's top 80 and excelled particularly in doubles, where her tactical acumen propelled her to a career-high of No. 21. Her four Billie Jean King Cup titles for Canada underscore her role as a team stalwart. While knee injuries ultimately cut her playing days short, her journey from junior champion to established tour professional helped lay the groundwork for the explosive success of Canadian tennis that followed, proving the path was possible.
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.
Sharon was born in 1990, 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 Sharon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Sharon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 21 in 2014.
- Reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 77 in 2014.
- Won the girls' doubles titles at both the Australian Open and French Open in 2006.
- Was a key member of the Canadian team that won the Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) Americas Group I four times.
Did You Know?
She was born in Toronto to Israeli parents and holds dual citizenship.
She won her first professional title at age 14 on the ITF circuit.
She speaks English, French, Hebrew, and Spanish.
She retired from professional tennis in 2021 due to a persistent knee injury.
“My game was built on defense, turning my opponent's pace against them.”
