Mirjana Lučić-Baroni’s tennis career is a tale of extraordinary talent, heartbreaking setbacks, and an inspiring comeback.
The Croatian player’s journey from child prodigy to Grand Slam semifinalist at age 34 is one of the most compelling stories in tennis history.
Below is a detailed breakdown of her personal life, career, and achievements.
Mirjana Lučić-Baroni’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mirjana Lučić-Baroni |
| Nickname | Mikica |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1982 |
| Age | 42 years |
| Place of Birth | Dortmund, Germany |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Height | 5’11” (1.81 m) |
| Turned Pro | April 1997 |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $4.5 million |
| Career Prize Money | $4,253,458 |
| Spouse | Daniele Baroni (married in 2011) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | One daughter (born in early 2021) |
| Instagram Profile | @mirjanalucicbaroni_ |
Early Career
Mirjana began playing tennis at just four years old by sneaking into her sister’s lessons.
Her talent was evident early on as she won the girls’ singles title at the US Open in 1996 and two junior Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 1997.
She turned professional in April 1997 at age 15 and made history by winning her first WTA Tour event in Bol, Croatia.
Professional Career
Mirjana’s career had incredible highs and challenging lows. In 1998, she partnered with Martina Hingis to win the Australian Open doubles title at just 15 years old.
She reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 1999 after defeating top players like Monica Seles and Nathalie Tauziat but lost to Steffi Graf.
However, personal and financial struggles, including abuse from her father, derailed her career for nearly a decade. After a long hiatus, she returned to the WTA circuit in the late 2000s.
Her resurgence peaked in 2017 when she reached the Australian Open semifinals—18 years after her first Grand Slam semifinal—defeating top players like Karolína Plíšková and Agnieszka Radwańska before losing to Serena Williams.
Husband
Daniele Baroni is an Italian-American restaurateur and the supportive husband of former professional tennis player Mirjana Lučić-Baroni.
The couple tied the knot on November 15, 2011, in Sarasota, Florida, where they currently reside.
Daniele is widely known for his successful ventures in the restaurant industry, co-owning 2 popular Italian eateries in Sarasota: Mediterraneo and Café Epicure.
Mirjana Lučić-Baroni’s Net Worth Details
Mirjana Lučić-Baroni’s net worth is estimated to be $4.5 million as of 2025. This includes earnings from prize money and endorsements accumulated over her career.
Prize Money
Here is a breakdown of Mirjana Lučić-Baroni’s career prize money:
| Year | Prize Money Earned |
|---|---|
| Up to 2017 | $4,253,458 |
Endorsements
- Wilson (tennis rackets)
- Nike (sports apparel)
Career Records
Mirjana faced several notable opponents during her career. Here are some highlights:
| Opponent | Notable Matches |
|---|---|
| Monica Seles | Defeated Seles at Wimbledon 1999 |
| Nathalie Tauziat | Beat Tauziat twice to reach Wimbledon semifinals (1999) |
| Simona Halep | Defeated Halep twice at Grand Slams |
| Venus Williams | Beat Venus Williams in Quebec City final (2014) |
| Serena Williams | Lost to Serena Williams in Australian Open semifinal |
FAQs
When did Mirjana Lučić-Baroni turn professional?
She turned professional in April 1997 at age 15.
What is Mirjana Lučić-Baroni’s highest singles ranking?
Her highest singles ranking was No. 20 in May 2017.
Who is Mirjana Lučić-Baroni married to?
She is married to restaurateur Daniele Baroni since November 2011.
How many children does she have?
She has one daughter born in early 2021.
What are Mirjana’s notable achievements?
Winning the Australian Open doubles title (1998) and reaching two Grand Slam semifinals (Wimbledon 1999 and Australian Open 2017).
What challenges did she face during her career?
Personal struggles included abuse from her father and financial issues that led to a hiatus from tennis.
What is her total career prize money?
$4,253,458 as of 2025.
Where does Mirjana live now?
She resides in the United States with her family.
Did she have any major endorsements?
Yes, brands like Wilson and Nike supported her during parts of her career.
Is she active on social media?
Yes, she has an Instagram account (@mirjanalucicbaroni_).
