Andrea Petkovic
A top-10 tennis star whose powerful game and intellectual wit made her one of the sport's most compelling personalities.
Born 1987 (age 39)·German tennis player·Birthday: September 9·Millennials
Biography
Andrea Petkovic carved a distinct path through professional tennis, defined as much by her cerebral approach as her fierce forehand. Born in Tuzla, she moved to Germany as an infant and turned pro in 2006. Her breakthrough came in 2011, when she stormed into the quarterfinals of three Grand Slams and cracked the world's top 10, becoming the first German woman to do so in over a decade. Her career was a rollercoaster of triumph and brutal injury comebacks, each return marked by a refined, tactical game. Off the court, Petkovic stood apart, writing thoughtful essays, discussing literature and politics, and performing a viral victory dance known as the 'Petko Dance.' This blend of athletic rigor and cultural curiosity made her a fan favorite and a respected voice, long after her final match.
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.
Andrea was born in 1987, 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 Andrea Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Andrea's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 9 in 2011, the first German woman to be top-10 since Steffi Graf.
- Advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open all in the 2011 season.
- Won seven WTA singles titles, including the Premier-level event in Stuttgart in 2014.
- Represented Germany in Fed Cup competition and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Did You Know?
She is fluent in German, English, and Serbian.
Petkovic earned the nickname 'The Professor' for her intellectual interests and writing.
She performed a celebratory dance called the 'Petko Dance' that became popular with fans.
She has written articles for publications like The New Yorker and The Guardian.
“null”
