Eva Birnerová
A Czech tennis player whose powerful serve and forehand took her to the world's top 100, competing in all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Czech tennis player·Birthday: August 14·Millennials
Biography
Born in Děčín, Czechoslovakia, Eva Birnerová turned professional in 2002 and carved out a solid career on the WTA Tour. Known for her aggressive baseline game, she spent over a decade competing against the sport's best, reaching a career-high singles ranking of 59 in 2006. Her journey saw her qualify for the main draws of the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, often pushing seeded players to their limits. Beyond singles, she was a formidable doubles competitor, securing one WTA doubles title. Birnerová's career is a testament to the resilience and skill of players who form the backbone of professional tennis, representing the Czech Republic in Fed Cup competition before retiring in 2014.
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.
Eva was born in 1984, 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 Eva Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Eva's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
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
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
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
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached a career-high WTA singles ranking of World No. 59 in 2006.
- Won one WTA doubles title at the 2007 Bangalore Open with partner Alla Kudryavtseva.
- Competed in the main draw of all four Grand Slam tournaments during her career.
- Represented the Czech Republic in Fed Cup competition.
Did You Know?
Her younger sister, Hana Birnerová, is also a professional tennis player.
She is married to fellow Czech tennis player Lukáš Dlouhý, a Grand Slam doubles champion.
She won the Wimbledon girls' doubles title in 2002 with partner Barbora Strýcová.
“I fought for every point, knowing my game was built on grit.”
