Lara Michel
A Swiss tennis player who carved out a career on the global circuit with a powerful serve and a decade of professional grit.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Swiss tennis player·Birthday: December 24·Millennials
Biography
Born in 1991, Lara Michel emerged from Switzerland's rich tennis culture to make her mark on the WTA tour. Turning professional in 2008, she spent over a decade competing in tournaments worldwide, her game built around a formidable serve and baseline power. While she never cracked the sport's uppermost echelon, her career is a testament to the sustained discipline required to travel the circuit, facing a who's-who of tennis talent across countless matches. Michel represented Switzerland in Fed Cup competition, contributing to national team efforts. Her journey reflects the reality of professional sports for many: a life of intense travel, constant competition, and a deep commitment to the game away from the spotlight of grand slam finals.
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.
Lara was born in 1991, 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 Lara Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Lara's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
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
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
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
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
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 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 142 in 2012.
- Represented Switzerland in Fed Cup competition.
- Won multiple singles and doubles titles on the ITF Women's Circuit.
Did You Know?
She is a left-handed player.
Her father, Marco Michel, was also a professional tennis player.
She studied for a business degree during her tennis career.
“My serve is my weapon, and I trust it to open up the court for me.”
