Jürgen Melzer
An Austrian left-hander whose elegant, all-court game peaked late, delivering Grand Slam glory in doubles and a major singles semifinal.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Austrian tennis player·Birthday: May 22·Millennials
Biography
Jürgen Melzer's career is a study in patience and the rewards of a classic, fluid tennis style. The Viennese left-hander spent years as a solid top-50 presence, known for a beautiful one-handed backhand and a willingness to rush the net. His breakthrough came not in his twenties, but as he approached 30, proving that a refined game can age like fine wine. In 2010, he electrified Wimbledon by reaching the singles semifinals as a seeded-but-unfancied player, defeating Novak Djokovic in a thrilling quarterfinal. That same year, he partnered with Philipp Petzschner to win the Wimbledon men's doubles title, and later completed a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles. Melzer's intelligence and touch made him a doubles specialist in his later years, and he seamlessly transitioned into a coaching role after retirement, bringing his deep tactical understanding to a new generation.
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.
Jürgen was born in 1981, 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 Jürgen Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jürgen's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
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
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
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
2021Turned 40
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 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached the singles semifinals at Wimbledon in 2010, defeating Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals.
- Won the Wimbledon men's doubles title in 2010 with partner Philipp Petzschner.
- Achieved a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles, winning titles at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open with various partners.
- Attained a career-high singles ranking of world No. 8 in 2011.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Gerald Melzer, is also a professional tennis player, and they have played doubles together on tour.
He is one of the few players in the Open Era to have beaten both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic at Grand Slam tournaments.
He won the Wimbledon boys' singles title in 1999.
“You have to believe in yourself when nobody else does. That's what makes a winner.”
