Who is Elise Mertens? Meet the Belgian tennis star, former doubles world No. 1

• Former doubles world No. 1 and six-time Grand Slam doubles champion.

• Reached the 2018 Australian Open singles semifinals and won 10 WTA singles titles.

• Making headlines with another impressive Wimbledon run in both singles and doubles.

Belgian tennis standout Elise Mertens is enjoying another strong Wimbledon campaign, once again showing why she is considered one of the most dependable players on the WTA Tour.

Mertens is best known for her success in doubles, where she has won multiple Grand Slam titles and risen to world No. 1. She has also built a steady singles career, regularly making deep runs at major tournaments and staying among the sport’s leading names.

Why Elise Mertens Is Making Headlines

Mertens is back in the spotlight at Wimbledon 2026, where she remains a contender in both singles and doubles.

Long regarded as one of the most reliable players on tour, the Belgian has again looked composed on the grass courts of the All England Club. She has also reinforced her reputation as one of the top doubles players in the game.

Her Wimbledon run follows an impressive season that saw her return to world No. 1 in women’s doubles after winning the 2026 Australian Open.

Who Is Elise Mertens?

Elise Mertens, born on Nov. 17, 1995, in Leuven, Belgium, is one of Belgium’s most accomplished tennis players of the modern era. Known for her consistency and all-court game, she has won 10 WTA singles titles and 24 doubles titles. Her doubles record is especially impressive, with six Grand Slam women’s doubles titles to her name.

In May 2021, she reached world No. 1 in doubles for the first time, joining Belgian greats Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin among the few players from the country to top the singles or doubles rankings. Mertens has also made her mark in singles. Her strongest Grand Slam run came in 2018, when she reached the Australian Open semifinals and climbed to a career-high ranking of world No. 12.

Early Life, Education, and Personal Life

Elise Mertens was introduced to tennis at just four years old by her older sister, Lauren. Her mother, Liliane Barbe, worked as a teacher, while her father, Guido Mertens, was a furniture maker known for crafting church furnishings. As her tennis ambitions grew, Mertens completed much of her education through homeschooling, which allowed her to balance intensive training with academics.

Fluent in Dutch, French, and English, she has often emphasized the value of education alongside sport. As a young player, she looked up to Belgian tennis greats Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, later training at the Kim Clijsters Academy as she worked toward a professional career. Off the court, Mertens has generally kept her personal life private.

She was previously in a long-term relationship with former Belgian tennis player and coach Robbe Ceyssens, who also coached her before they ended their personal and professional partnership in 2021. Mertens has often credited her family for supporting her journey and has said she enjoys returning home to Belgium between tournaments. A devoted animal lover, she frequently shares photos of her dogs on social media and has described time with her family and pets as a way to unwind from the pressures of life on tour.

Career and Playing Style

Elise Mertens has built a highly consistent career in both singles and doubles since turning professional in 2013. She has won 10 WTA singles titles and 24 doubles titles, including six Grand Slam women’s doubles championships, and reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 12 after her 2018 Australian Open semifinal run.

A former World No. 1 in doubles, Mertens most recently reclaimed the top ranking after winning the 2026 Australian Open women’s doubles title with Zhang Shuai. Known for her tactical intelligence rather than raw power, she relies on strong court coverage, a steady two-handed backhand, sharp returning, and calm decision-making under pressure. Her doubles success has also sharpened her net game, making her one of the WTA Tour’s most reliable all-court players.

Why She Remains One of Tennis’ Most Reliable Players

While plenty of players go through sharp ups and downs, Mertens has earned a reputation for being remarkably steady.

Part of what makes her stand out is her ability to perform well in both singles and doubles. That versatility has made her one of the busiest players on the WTA Tour, but also one of the most durable. With her experience, tactical awareness, and ability to adjust to different opponents and surfaces, she remains a tough challenge in almost any tournament.

As her latest Wimbledon campaign keeps her in the spotlight, Mertens continues to demonstrate why she remains one of the WTA Tour’s most respected and reliable performers.