Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Elise Mertens

How Elise Mertens built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Elise Mertens is a Belgian professional tennis player renowned for her accomplishments in both singles and doubles. Notably, she achieved the world No. 1 ranking in women's doubles on May 10, 2021, marking her as the third Belgian to reach the top spot in either singles or doubles. Her career boasts an impressive 32 WTA Tour-level titles, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in women's tennis.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 2021: Became World No. 1 in Doubles

In May 2021, Elise Mertens became the world No. 1 in women's doubles, making her the third Belgian to achieve a top ranking in either singles or doubles, following Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.

May 2021: Regained World No. 1 spot

In May 2021, after winning the Wimbledon doubles title, Elise Mertens regained the world No. 1 spot, which she previously held for a week in May 2021.

May 2023: Won Italian Open doubles title, returned to top 10 in doubles

In May 2023, at the Italian Open, Elise Mertens partnered with Storm Hunter to win her fifth WTA 1000 title in doubles. As a result of this win, she returned to the top 10 in doubles rankings on May 22, 2023.

September 2023: Returned to World No. 1 in Doubles

In September 2023, Elise Mertens returned to world No. 1 in doubles after more than a year, following a semifinal showing at the Guadalajara Open with Storm Hunter. They won the tournament defeating Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski. The official date of her return to World number 1 was September 25, 2023.

2023: Won eighth singles title at the Jasmin Open

In 2023, Elise Mertens secured her eighth singles title at the Jasmin Open in Monastir by defending her title with a victory over Jasmine Paolini, which resulted in her return to the top 30 in the WTA rankings.

2023: Reached Semifinals at ATP Finals and Ranked No. 2 in Doubles

In 2023, Elise Mertens, partnering with Hunter, advanced to the semifinals in doubles at the ATP Finals. She concluded the year with a No. 2 ranking in doubles for the first time in her career.

2025: Won tenth singles title at the Libéma Open

In 2025, Elise Mertens won her tenth singles title at the Libéma Open, saving eleven match points en route to the title. This achievement equaled the record for match points saved to win a tennis tour-level match this century.