Marina Erakovic
She smashed New Zealand's decades-long tennis drought, becoming her nation's first Grand Slam champion in the open era.
Born 1988 (age 38)·New Zealand tennis player·Birthday: March 6·Millennials
Biography
For a small island nation with a rich sporting history, tennis glory had been elusive—until Marina Erakovic swung her racket. Born in Zagreb to Croatian parents but moving to Auckland as a child, Erakovic carved her path with a potent blend of powerful groundstrokes and fierce net play. Her breakthrough was seismic: in 2007, she won the US Open girls' doubles title, a hint of the history to come. As a professional, she climbed the rankings, becoming New Zealand's top female player for over a decade. Her crowning achievement arrived in 2013 at Wimbledon, where she and her partner Cara Black captured the women's doubles championship. That victory ended a 60-year wait for a New Zealand tennis major title, etching her name into the nation's sporting folklore. Beyond the trophies, Erakovic was a stalwart for her country in Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) competition, her commitment unwavering. Her career, marked by resilience through injury, demonstrated that a player from a nation without a deep tennis tradition could indeed reach the summit.
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.
Marina 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 Marina Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Marina'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
- Won the 2013 Wimbledon ladies' doubles title, making her New Zealand's first Grand Slam champion since 1959.
- Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 39 and a doubles ranking of World No. 25.
- Represented New Zealand at the 2008 and 2016 Olympic Games, carrying the flag in Rio's opening ceremony.
- Won three WTA doubles titles and reached the quarterfinals of the 2011 US Open in mixed doubles.
Did You Know?
She is a trained pianist and has said music helps her focus and relax away from the court.
Erakovic completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Auckland while still competing on tour.
She served as the president of the WTA Players' Council, advocating for her fellow athletes.
After retirement, she became a respected tennis commentator for TV networks in New Zealand.
“"It's amazing what you can achieve when you have the right people around you and you believe in yourself."”
