Xenia Knoll
A Swiss tennis talent who carved out a solid professional career before stepping away from the tour on her own terms.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Swiss tennis player·Birthday: September 2·Millennials
Biography
Xenia Knoll emerged from Switzerland's rich tennis landscape, turning professional in 2008. Her game, built on a solid all-court foundation, saw her achieve a career-high doubles ranking inside the world's top 100. She became a familiar presence on the WTA tour, competing in the main draws of Grand Slam tournaments, most notably reaching the second round of the Australian Open women's doubles in 2016. Knoll also represented Switzerland in Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) ties, contributing to national team efforts. In 2021, after over a decade on the circuit, she chose to retire from professional tennis, transitioning out of the sport to pursue new chapters beyond the baseline.
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.
Xenia was born in 1992, 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 Xenia Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Xenia's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
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
1997Started school
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
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
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
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved a career-high WTA doubles ranking of World No. 88 in 2016.
- Reached the second round of the Australian Open in women's doubles in 2016.
- Represented Switzerland in Fed Cup competition.
Did You Know?
She is a former junior Wimbledon champion, having won the girls' doubles title in 2010.
Her father, Heinz, was also a professional tennis player.
She speaks four languages: German, French, English, and Italian.
“A good volley ends the point before it begins.”
