Shahar Peer

Shahar Pe'er is a retired Israeli professional tennis player, widely regarded as the most successful female tennis player in Israel’s history. She reached career-high singles ranking of World No. 11. She retired in 2017.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Shahar Pe'er was born on May 1, 1987, in Jerusalem, Israel, and later resided in Macabim. Standing 170 cm tall, Shahar Pe'er played right-handed with a two-handed backhand. She began playing tennis at age six, joining her siblings in lessons.

Her father, Dov, was born in South Africa and immigrated to Israel, while her mother, Aliza, is Israeli. Pe’er’s paternal grandfather volunteered as a medic in Israel after the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.

At age 19, Pe’er enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces, balancing military service with her burgeoning tennis career. In 2018, she married Dr. Eilon Ram, and the couple has a son and a daughter.

Junior Career

She won the singles title at the 2004 Australian Open and became the first Israeli woman to win a junior Grand Slam since Anna Smashnova in 1990. She also reached the quarterfinals at the French Open and Wimbledon, and the semifinals at the US Open as a junior.

Shahar Pe’er won several prestigious junior tournaments, including the Nike Junior Tour International Masters and the Junior Orange Bowl, and was the youngest Israeli to win the national women’s championship.

Career

Pe’er turned professional in 2004 and quickly established herself on the WTA Tour. She won her first WTA singles title in 2006 and added four more over her career, along with three doubles titles.

She reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open (2007) and the US Open (2007) in singles, and was a doubles finalist at the 2008 Australian Open with Victoria Azarenka. She also reached the quarterfinals in doubles at the French Open and Wimbledon.

Throughout her career, Shahar Pe’er was known for her consistency and ability to challenge top players, recording victories over several top-10 opponents. She achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 11 in January 2011 and a doubles high of No. 14 in May 2008.

Pe’er represented Israel at the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012 and was a stalwart for the Israeli Fed Cup team.

Despite injuries and setbacks, Shahar Pe’er remained a respected figure on tour until her retirement in 2017. After her retirement, Pe’er has remained active in Israeli public life, starting a family and participating in television, including a stint on The Singer in the Mask. Her legacy endures as a pioneer and role model in Israeli tennis.

Career Record

Singles

• Career Titles: 5
• Highest Singles Ranking: No. 11 (January 31, 2011)
• Career Record: 412–276

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – Quarterfinals (2007)
• Roland Garros (French Open) – 4th Round (2006, 2007, 2010)
• Wimbledon Championships – 4th Round (2008)
• US Open – Quarterfinals (2007)

Other Tournaments

• WTA Tour Finals – Alternate (2010)
• Olympic Games – 2nd Round (2008)

Doubles

• Career Titles: 3
• Highest Doubles Ranking: No. 14 (May 12, 2008)
• Career Record: 189–175

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – Finalist (2008)
• Roland Garros (French Open) – Quarterfinals (2008)
• Wimbledon Championships – Quarterfinals (2005, 2008)
• US Open – 3rd Round (2007, 2010)

Other Tournaments

• Olympic Games – 1st Round (2008)