Yanina Wickmayer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Yanina Wickmayer

Wickmayer at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships
Country (sports)	Belgium
Residence	Hasselt, Belgium
Born	(1989-10-20) 20 October 1989 (age 35) Lier, Belgium
Height	1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Turned pro	2004
Retired	2 July 2025
Plays	Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Coach	Germain Gigounon
Prize money	$5,952,975
Singles
Career record	532–364 (59.38%)
Career titles	5
Highest ranking	No. 12 (19 April 2010)
Grand Slam singles results
Australian Open	4R (2010, 2015)
French Open	3R (2010, 2011, 2016)
Wimbledon	4R (2011)
US Open	SF (2009)
Other tournaments
Olympic Games	2R (2012)
Doubles
Career record	194–133 (59.33%)
Career titles	4
Highest ranking	No. 61 (11 September 2023)
Grand Slam doubles results
Australian Open	2R (2010)
French Open	QF (2025)
Wimbledon	2R (2009, 2013)
US Open	2R (2023)
Team competitions
Fed Cup	28–14 (66.67%)

Yanina Wickmayer, born on October 20, 1989, is a former professional tennis player from Belgium. She was a very successful player, especially in 2009, when she reached the semifinals at the US Open. She also achieved her highest singles ranking of No. 12 in the world in April 2010.

In doubles, she reached a career-high ranking of No. 61 in September 2023. The WTA recognized her as the "Most Improved Player" in 2009. In June 2011, Time magazine even included her in their list of "30 Legends of Women's Tennis." Yanina Wickmayer officially retired from professional tennis on July 2, 2025.

About Yanina Wickmayer

Yanina was born to Marc Wickmayer and Daniella Dannevoye. She started playing tennis when she was nine years old, introduced to the sport by friends. Sadly, her mother passed away when Yanina was young. Her unique first name, Yanina, comes from Diego Maradona's youngest daughter, Gianinna. Her family name, Wickmayer, has roots in Austria.

Yanina is very talented with languages, speaking Dutch, English, and French fluently. She has always looked up to fellow Belgian tennis star Kim Clijsters. In 2017, Kim Clijsters even helped Yanina during the 2017 Wimbledon Championships. On July 16, 2017, Yanina married her long-time boyfriend, Jérôme van der Zijl, who was a professional football player. In April 2021, they welcomed their daughter.

Yanina's Tennis Journey

Early Career: First Wins (2006-2007)

Yanina Wickmayer in 2007

In 2006, Yanina Wickmayer won her first professional titles. She secured three singles titles and two doubles titles on the ITF Women's Circuit. She continued her success in 2007, winning more tournaments, especially in Asia. By November 2007, she had climbed from No. 534 to around No. 170 in the world rankings. She won eight singles and seven doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. Yanina was also chosen to play for the Belgian Fed Cup team.

Reaching a WTA Final (2008)

In 2008, Yanina had a big win against Kateryna Bondarenko in the 2008 Fed Cup. She played in the main draw of the French Open for the first time. Later that year, she reached her first final on the WTA Tour at the Birmingham Classic, showing her growing talent.

US Open Semifinal and First WTA Title (2009)

Yanina had a breakthrough year in 2009. She won her first WTA Tour singles title at the Estoril Open in Portugal. She also reached the singles and doubles finals at the Rosmalen Open.

Her biggest achievement came at the US Open, where she made it all the way to the semifinals! This was a huge step in her career.

Yanina Wickmayer at the 2009 US Open

After the US Open, she continued her strong performance. She won another WTA title in Linz, beating top players and entering the top 20 rankings for the first time.

Breaking into the Top 15 (2010)

Wickmayer at the 2010 US Open

Yanina started 2010 by winning the Auckland Open without losing a single set. This was her third career title. She also had a great run at the Australian Open, reaching the fourth round. Her strong results helped her climb to a career-high ranking of No. 12 in the world. She continued to perform well, reaching the quarterfinals at the Miami Open. Yanina also played an important role for Belgium in the Fed Cup, helping her team advance.

Consistent Performance (2011)

Wickmayer during the 2011 Fed Cup semifinals

In 2011, Yanina reached the final of the Auckland Open again. She had a notable win against Li Na at the Dubai Tennis Championships, saving four match points. She also reached the semifinals at the Indian Wells Open, a major tournament. At Wimbledon, she made it to the fourth round, her best result there. She finished the year ranked No. 26.

Steady Ranking (2012)

Wickmayer hitting a forehand at the 2012 Indian Wells Open

Yanina started 2012 by reaching the final of the Hobart International. She continued to show strong form, reaching the semifinals at the Paris indoor event and the quarterfinals at the Qatar Open. She also had a good run at the Miami Open, reaching the round of 16. Later in the year, she reached another final at the Gastein Ladies tournament. She represented Belgium at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She ended 2012 ranked No. 23.

Overcoming Challenges (2013-2014)

Wickmayer at the 2013 US Open

In 2013, Yanina reached the final of the Auckland Open for the third time. She also won her first WTA doubles title at the Luxembourg Open with Stephanie Vogt. She finished the year strong by reaching the final of the Taipei Open.

Wickmayer during day 3 of the 2014 Wimbledon Championships

In 2014, Yanina reached the quarterfinals at the Qatar Ladies Open. She also upset Caroline Wozniacki at the French Open. Later in the year, she was diagnosed with lyme disease, which affected her performance and led her to take time off to recover. She finished 2014 ranked No. 67.

Winning Another Title (2015)

Wickmayer at the 2015 French Open

Yanina started 2015 well, reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open for the second time. She then won her fourth WTA singles title at the Japan Women's Open. She continued her good form by reaching the semifinals at the Guangzhou International Open. She also won her first WTA Challenger title at the Carlsbad Classic. She ended 2015 ranked No. 49.

Fifth Career Title (2016)

Wickmayer holding the trophy after winning the 2016 Washington Open, her fifth WTA title

In 2016, Yanina reached the semifinals at the Abierto Mexicano. She had a great run at the French Open, reaching the third round. Her biggest highlight was winning her fifth career singles title at the Washington Open. She also won the doubles title there, partnering with Monica Niculescu. She represented Belgium at the Rio Olympics. She finished 2016 ranked No. 51.

Later Career and Comeback (2017-2023)

Wickmayer at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships

In 2017, Yanina continued to compete, reaching the quarterfinals at the Hungarian Ladies Open and the semifinals at the Guangzhou International Open. In 2018, she won a $25k tournament in Surprise, Arizona. She also had a good performance at Wimbledon, reaching the third round.

After a break, Yanina made a comeback in 2022. She qualified for the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, making her 13th appearance at a major tournament. She reached the second round there. In doubles, she won the title at the Korea Open with Kristina Mladenovic, her first title since 2016. In 2023, she qualified for Wimbledon again, marking her 14th main-draw appearance.

Retirement from Tennis (2025)

Yanina Wickmayer announced in May 2025 that she would retire from professional tennis after the Wimbledon Championships that year. In June 2025, she played in the French Open, where she reached the quarterfinals in the doubles event with Irina-Camelia Begu. Her final singles match was at Wimbledon, where she lost in the first round. She also played her last doubles match there.

Career Highlights

Grand Slam Singles Performance

Yanina competed in many Grand Slam tournaments throughout her career. Here's a look at her best results:

Grand Slam Doubles Performance

Here's how Yanina performed in Grand Slam doubles:

See also

In Spanish: Yanina Wickmayer para niños