Danielle Lao
A tenacious underdog who battled her way onto the WTA tour with a crafty, unorthodox game that defied her physical stature.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American tennis player·Birthday: May 28·Millennials
Biography
Danielle Lao, often called 'The Little Giant,' carved a path in professional tennis that was less about power and more about guile. Standing at just five-foot-three, she compensated with exceptional court sense, a varied arsenal of shots, and relentless grit. A standout collegiate player at the University of Southern California, she turned professional and spent years grinding on the ITF circuit, slowly climbing the rankings through sheer will. Her breakthrough came with a memorable run at the 2017 US Open, where she qualified and won her first Grand Slam main-draw match, captivating fans with her hustling style. Lao's career, though hampered by injuries, stands as a testament to the idea that tennis IQ and heart can compete with raw athleticism.
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.
Danielle was born in 1991, 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 Danielle Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Danielle's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Qualified for and won her first main-draw match at the 2017 US Open, defeating a higher-ranked opponent.
- Achieved a career-high WTA singles ranking of World No. 162 in 2019.
- Was a three-time All-American and NCAA semifinalist while playing for the University of Southern California.
Did You Know?
Her nickname, 'The Little Giant,' was coined by tennis commentators due to her small stature and giant-killing potential.
She authored a blog and was known for her thoughtful, analytical writing about the life of a touring pro.
She played tennis with her right hand but writes and eats with her left hand.
“I'm five-foot-three, so I have to be smarter and tougher than everyone else.”
