Elise Mertens
A deceptively fierce Belgian tennis star who has quietly dominated the doubles circuit while maintaining a formidable singles presence.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Belgian tennis player·Birthday: November 17·Millennials
Biography
Elise Mertens represents a model of quiet, consistent excellence in modern tennis. With a game built on crisp groundstrokes, intelligent court positioning, and a steely competitive resolve, she announced herself by winning the Australian Open mixed doubles title in her Grand Slam debut in 2019. While her singles career has seen her crack the world's top 20 and claim victories over multiple number-one players, it is in doubles where she has built a staggering legacy. Forming a nearly unstoppable partnership with Taiwanese player Hsieh Su-wei, Mertens ascended to the world No. 1 doubles ranking in 2021. Together, they have collected multiple Grand Slam titles, their contrasting styles—Mertens' power and precision paired with Hsieh's unorthodox genius—proving a perfect cocktail for success. Away from the baseline, she is known for her calm demeanor and a business-like approach that has made her one of the sport's most reliable and respected competitors.
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.
Elise 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 Elise Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Elise'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
- Achieved the world No. 1 ranking in women's doubles in May 2021.
- Has won six Grand Slam titles in women's doubles, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
- Won the Australian Open mixed doubles title in 2019 with Max Mirnyi.
- Reached the singles semifinals of the Australian Open in 2018.
- Has won over 30 WTA titles across singles and doubles competitions.
Did You Know?
She has a degree in Business Management from the University of Leuven.
Her favorite surface is hard court, and her favorite tournament is the Australian Open.
She owns a dog named Rocco who often travels with her on tour.
“I'm not the loudest person on court, but I think my tennis can do the talking.”
