Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Elise Mertens

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 25, 2026

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

Elise Mertens is a highly accomplished Belgian professional tennis player. Her career highlight is reaching the World No. 1 ranking in women's doubles on May 10, 2021, making her the third Belgian to achieve a top ranking in either singles or doubles. Mertens boasts an impressive record with 34 WTA Tour-level titles, divided into 10 singles titles and a remarkable 24 doubles titles. This achievement highlights her exceptional skill and success in both singles and doubles competitions.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 2021: Regained World No. 1 spot at Birmingham and Wimbledon

In May 2021 at Wimbledon, Elise Mertens regained the world No. 1 spot in doubles. She had also held the title previously for a week in May 2021.

May 2021: Became world No. 1 in women's doubles

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

May 2021: Reached World No. 1 and Madrid Open

In May 2021, despite a second-round loss in doubles at the Madrid Open, Elise Mertens achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world No. 1 in doubles for the first time, joining Kim Clijsters as the second Belgian player to reach the top spot.

August 2022: Lost World No. 1 doubles ranking

On August 14, 2022, Elise Mertens lost her world No. 1 doubles ranking. She withdrew before the 2022 Tennis in the Land event and from the US Open doubles event due to a right thigh injury.

May 2023: Italian Open Doubles Title and Return to Top 10

In May 2023, Elise Mertens and Storm Hunter won the doubles title at the Italian Open, marking Mertens's fifth WTA 1000 title. This victory resulted in her return to the top 10 in doubles rankings on May 22, 2023.

September 2023: Return 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 Hunter. They later won the title defeating Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski.

2023: Reached Semifinals at ATP Finals

In 2023, Elise Mertens reached the semifinals in doubles with Hunter at the ATP Finals and finished the year ranked No. 2 in doubles for the first time.