Ernests Gulbis
A Latvian tennis maverick whose blistering talent and unfiltered opinions made him a thrilling, unpredictable force on the global stage.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Latvian tennis player·Birthday: August 30·Millennials
Biography
Ernests Gulbis struck the ball with the ferocity of a man who, given his comfortable upbringing, had little to lose. That freedom shaped his career. From Latvia, a country without a tennis tradition, he developed one of the tour’s most intimidating forehands, driving him to a top-10 ranking and victories over the sport’s elite. His 2014 French Open semifinal run distilled his power at its peak. Gulbis also delivered cerebral, contrarian interviews, critiquing tour monotony and peers’ dedication with blunt honesty. Injuries made results inconsistent, yet when his game aligned, his explosive, high-risk style could defeat anyone, marking him as one of the era’s most captivating and candid figures.
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.
Ernests was born in 1988, 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 Ernests Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ernests's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 10 in 2014, the only Latvian man ever to reach the top 10.
- Reached the semifinals of the 2014 French Open, defeating Roger Federer in a fourth-round upset.
- Won six ATP Tour singles titles, including the 2010 Delray Beach Open and the 2014 Open 13 in Marseille.
- Won the 2011 Swedish Open doubles title partnering with Jürgen Zopp.
Did You Know?
His family owns a major pharmaceutical company in Latvia, leading to his nickname 'The Billionaire Tennis Player'.
He was coached by former German top-10 player Gunther Bresnik for much of his career.
He once stated in an interview that he didn't want his future children to become tennis players.
He won the junior title at the US Open in 2004.
“Tennis players, they are really boring. Most of them are.”
