Elena Dementieva is a former Russian professional tennis player who left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for her powerful groundstrokes and Olympic success.
Dementieva’s career spanned over a decade, during which she achieved numerous accolades and became one of the most respected players on the WTA Tour.
In this article, you will learn about Elena Dementieva’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Elena Dementieva’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Elena Viacheslavovna Dementieva |
| Nickname | – |
| Born | October 15, 1981 |
| Age | 42 |
| College | Graduated from Special Language School (French) in 1998 |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15-20 million |
| Salary | Varied based on tournament winnings |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | – |
Early Career
Elena Dementieva began playing tennis at a young age, showing promise early on. She won her first ITF title in Latvia in 1996 at just 15 years old.
Dementieva’s talent was evident as she continued to excel in junior tournaments, setting the stage for her professional career.
Her strong performances in ITF events and junior Grand Slams caught the attention of tennis enthusiasts and experts alike, marking her as a rising star in Russian tennis.
Professional Career
Dementieva’s professional career took off in the early 2000s. She won her first WTA title in 2003 at the Bausch & Lomb Championships, defeating several top-ranked players.
Her career highlights include winning the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and reaching 2 Grand Slam finals in 2004.
She consistently ranked in the top 10 for several years, reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 3 in 2009.
Dementieva announced her retirement in 2010 after a successful career spanning over a decade.
Husband
Elena Dementieva is married to Maxim Afinogenov, a former professional ice hockey player.
The couple tied the knot in 2011, shortly after Dementieva retired from professional tennis. They have a daughter together, born in 2014.
Elena Dementieva’s Net Worth Details
Elena Dementieva’s net worth is estimated to be between $15-20 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings ($) | Money List Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,896,690 | 10 |
| 2009 | 2,343,481 | 7 |
| 2008 | 1,951,304 | 6 |
| 2007 | 863,241 | 14 |
| 2006 | 1,429,005 | 7 |
| 2005 | 1,524,461 | 7 |
| 2004 | 1,825,688 | 7 |
| 2003 | 869,740 | 12 |
| 2002 | 844,325 | 11 |
| Career Total | 14,867,436 | – |
Endorsements
During her career, Elena Dementieva had several endorsement deals, including:
- Yonex (tennis racquets and equipment).
- Adidas (clothing and shoes).
- Citizen Watches.
- Sony Ericsson.
Career Stats
| Tournament | Result | Notable Opponents |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Olympics | Gold Medal | Dinara Safina |
| 2004 French Open | Runner-up | Anastasia Myskina |
| 2004 US Open | Runner-up | Svetlana Kuznetsova |
| 2009 Wimbledon | Semifinalist | Serena Williams |
| 2009 Australian Open | Semifinalist | Serena Williams |
| 2008 Wimbledon | Semifinalist | Venus Williams |
FAQs
1. Who is Elena Dementieva?
Elena Dementieva is a retired Russian professional tennis player born on October 15, 1981, in Moscow. Known for her powerful groundstrokes and exceptional movement, she achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 3 and doubles ranking of No. 5. She played professionally from 1998 to 2010.
2. What are Elena Dementieva’s most notable achievements?
Dementieva won 16 WTA singles titles, including an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games and a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She was a runner-up at the 2004 French Open and US Open and helped Russia win the Fed Cup in 2005.
3. Did Elena Dementieva ever win a Grand Slam title?
Despite her talent and consistent performances, Dementieva never won a Grand Slam title. She reached two Grand Slam finals in 2004 (French Open and US Open) but lost both matches to fellow Russian players Anastasia Myskina and Svetlana Kuznetsova, respectively.
4. Why is Elena Dementieva considered one of the best players without a Grand Slam?
Dementieva’s consistent top-level performance, including nine Grand Slam semifinals and two finals, combined with her Olympic success and career-high ranking of No. 3, solidifies her legacy as one of the most accomplished players never to win a Grand Slam.
5. What was Elena Dementieva’s playing style?
Dementieva was known for her aggressive baseline game, excellent movement, and strong return of serve. However, her serve was often considered a weakness due to inconsistency and frequent double faults, which she compensated for with other strengths.
6. When did Elena Dementieva retire from tennis?
Elena Dementieva retired on October 29, 2010, after her final match at the WTA Championships in Doha. Her retirement ceremony was emotional, with fellow players honoring her contributions to the sport.
7. What is Elena Dementieva’s connection to the Olympics?
The Olympics were a significant part of Dementieva’s career. She won a silver medal in singles at the 2000 Sydney Games and a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, which she considered the highlight of her career.
8. What did Elena Dementieva do after retiring?
After retiring, Dementieva married hockey player Maxim Afinogenov in 2011 and had two children. She remains connected to tennis by playing recreationally and keeping in touch with former colleagues while living between Monte Carlo, Moscow, and Florida.
9. What injuries did Elena Dementieva face during her career?
Dementieva dealt with various injuries throughout her career, including shoulder issues that affected her serve mechanics. Despite these challenges, she remained competitive at the highest level until her retirement.
10. How did Elena Dementieva contribute to Russian tennis?
Dementieva played a pivotal role in Russia’s rise in women’s tennis during the early 2000s. She was part of an all-Russian final at the French Open in 2004 and contributed to Russia’s Fed Cup victory in 2005, inspiring future generations of Russian players.
