Gisela Dulko
An Argentine tennis dynamo who rose to world number one in doubles, forming a formidable and stylish partnership with Flavia Pennetta.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Argentine tennis player·Birthday: January 30·Millennials
Biography
Gisela Dulko emerged from Buenos Aires with a game built on sharp court sense and tenacious defense. While her singles career had bright moments, including a stunning Wimbledon upset over Maria Sharapova, her true genius was unlocked in doubles. There, her anticipation and crisp volleys made her the perfect complement to aggressive partners. Her alliance with Italian star Flavia Pennetta became one of the most successful and popular teams of its era, a blend of tactical harmony and palpable chemistry. Together, they captured the sport's biggest stages, from the Australian Open to the year-end championships, with a brand of tennis that was both efficient and elegant. Dulko's ascent to the top ranking in 2010 was a testament to her consistency and doubles intellect. After retiring, she shifted her competitive focus to the poker table, displaying the same calm, analytical prowess that defined her tennis.
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.
Gisela was born in 1985, 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 Gisela Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Gisela's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved the world No. 1 ranking in women's doubles in 2010.
- Won the 2011 Australian Open women's doubles title with partner Flavia Pennetta.
- Captured the 2010 WTA Tour Championships doubles title alongside Flavia Pennetta.
- Reached the mixed doubles final at the 2011 US Open with Eduardo Schwank.
- Upset then-world No. 1 Maria Sharapova in the second round of Wimbledon in 2009.
Did You Know?
She is married to Argentine former footballer Fernando Gago.
After retiring from tennis, she became a competitive professional poker player.
She was once engaged to fellow Argentine tennis player Juan Martín del Potro.
She owns a line of jewelry and handbags called 'Dulko'.
“I always fought for every point, no matter who was on the other side of the net.”
