Monica Niculescu
A Romanian tennis maverick who disarmed power hitters with her unorthodox slice forehand and crafty net game.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Romanian tennis player·Birthday: September 25·Millennials
Biography
Monica Niculescu built a long and successful tennis career not with brute force, but with guile, variety, and a signature shot that drove opponents to distraction. In a sport dominated by baseline power, her game was a throwback: a heavily sliced forehand, deft drop shots, and a willingness to rush the net. This unique style made her a tricky opponent for even the game's biggest stars, and she notched wins over several top-10 players. While her singles career peaked inside the world's top 30, she found perhaps even greater success in doubles, where her touch and tactical intelligence shone. Partnering with various players, she reached the semifinals of Wimbledon and the US Open and broke into the world's top 15. Niculescu's career stands as a testament to the enduring value of artistry and tactical surprise in modern 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.
Monica was born in 1987, 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 Monica Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Monica's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 28 and a doubles ranking of World No. 11.
- Won ten WTA doubles titles and three WTA singles titles across her career.
- Reached the semifinals of both Wimbledon (2012) and the US Open (2015) in women's doubles.
- Defeated multiple top-10 players including Simona Halep, Petra Kvitová, and Victoria Azarenka.
Did You Know?
Her distinctive slice forehand is considered one of the most unique shots in modern women's tennis.
She is a passionate supporter of the Romanian football club Steaua București.
She studied for a degree in Physical Education and Sport at the University of Bucharest alongside her playing career.
She represented Romania in the Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) for over a decade.
“My forehand slice is my weapon; it makes my own rhythm.”
