Serbian tennis sensation Natalija Stevanović has captured global attention with her remarkable journey from junior prodigy to WTA tour breakthrough star.
Her stunning run to the third round at Wimbledon 2023, defeating former world No. 1 Karolína Plíšková, marked a career-defining moment that elevated her status in professional tennis.
Natalija Stevanović’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Natalija Stevanović (née Kostić) |
| Date of Birth | July 25, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Nationality | Serbian |
| Height | 1.64 m (5 ft 5 in) |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $800,000 – $1.2 million |
| Career Earnings | $784,713 USD |
| Husband | Nikola Stevanović |
| Instagram Profile | @nadalija |
Early Career
Natalija Stevanović’s tennis journey began at the tender age of five when she first picked up a racquet in her hometown of Niš, Serbia.
Born into a sports-oriented family, her father Đorđe Kostić worked as a tennis coach while her mother Sonja Kostić served as a physical education teacher, creating the perfect environment for nurturing her athletic talents.
Growing up in the Serbian tennis system, Stevanović quickly showed exceptional promise as a junior player. She achieved remarkable success in junior competitions, reaching the top-5 in junior rankings worldwide.
Her childhood idol was Rafael Nadal, which led to her nickname “Nadalija” – a combination of Nadal and her name that stuck throughout her career and eventually became her Instagram handle.
Professional Career
Stevanović’s professional trajectory faced significant challenges during 2015-2016 when she missed an entire season and a half due to a liver cyst operation. This medical setback could have ended many careers, but she demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning stronger than before.
Her comeback gained momentum in 2019 when she broke into the top 200 rankings for the first time and made her first Tour-level appearance as a qualifier at Monterrey.
The following year marked a watershed moment when she made her WTA Tour main-draw debut at the Thailand Open in February 2020, competing in both singles and doubles events.
Though she lost in the first round of both competitions, this milestone represented the culmination of years of hard work and determination.
Coach
Nikola Stevanović has served as Natalija’s coach since 2016, making him not only her husband but also her primary tennis mentor. This unique dual role creates an extraordinary dynamic in professional tennis, where the boundaries between personal and professional support systems merge seamlessly.
Nikola’s coaching philosophy and methods have clearly proven effective, as evidenced by Natalija’s career progression under his guidance. Since taking over her coaching responsibilities, he has helped her navigate through significant challenges, including her comeback from the liver cyst surgery that sidelined her for over a year.
His support was instrumental during her breakthrough 2023 season, particularly during her remarkable Wimbledon run.
Natalija Stevanović’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Natalija Stevanović’s net worth is estimated between $800,000 and $1.2 million, primarily accumulated through prize money, endorsements, and tournament appearances.
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $180,000+ |
| 2022 | $85,000 |
| 2021 | $45,000 |
| 2020 | $35,000 |
| 2019 | $90,000 |
| 2018 | $40,000 |
| Earlier Years | $309,713 |
Endorsements
Natalija Stevanović’s endorsements reflect her authenticity and connection with the sport. She currently collaborates with Wilson Tennis, which provides her racquets and on-court gear, a partnership she openly showcases on her verified Instagram page through tags like @wilsontennis in various posts from her WTA events in France and Kazakhstan.
Wilson’s steady investment in rising WTA players positions her among athletes who embody perseverance and professional growth.
While she doesn’t yet have major global apparel sponsors like Nike or Adidas, she works with smaller Serbian and European sporting apparel companies for outfits and accessories that suit her personal style.
Career Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Singles Career Record | 419–301 |
| Singles Titles | 14 ITF |
| Highest Singles Ranking | No. 145 (July 17, 2023) |
| Current Singles Ranking | No. 347 (February 17, 2025) |
| Doubles Career Record | 191–150 |
| Doubles Titles | 14 ITF |
| Highest Doubles Ranking | No. 152 (May 6, 2024) |
| Current Doubles Ranking | No. 438 (February 17, 2025) |
| Grand Slam Best Result | Third Round (Wimbledon 2023) |
| Fed Cup Record | 0–1 |
| Total Prize Money | $784,713 USD |
FAQs
1. How old is Natalija Stevanović and when was she born?
Natalija Stevanović is 31 years old, born on July 25, 1994, in Niš, Serbia. She started playing tennis at age five and turned professional when she was just 14 years old.
2. What is Natalija Stevanović’s biggest career achievement?
Her biggest achievement came at Wimbledon 2023 where she reached the third round on her Grand Slam debut. She defeated former world No. 1 Karolína Plíšková and Tamara Korpatsch before losing to two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitová.
3. Who is Natalija Stevanović married to?
She is married to Nikola Stevanović, who also serves as her tennis coach since 2016. The couple got engaged during the Hua Hin tournament and married.
4. What is Natalija Stevanović’s career prize money?
Stevanović has earned $784,713 USD in career prize money as of February 2025. She has won 14 ITF singles titles and 14 ITF doubles titles throughout her professional career.
5. What was Natalija Stevanović’s highest tennis ranking?
Her highest singles ranking was No. 145, achieved on July 17, 2023, following her breakthrough Wimbledon performance. She also reached No. 152 in doubles rankings on May 6, 2024.
