Elise Mertens continues to dominate tennis courts worldwide as one of Belgium’s most successful athletes. The 29-year-old powerhouse has built an impressive career worth millions through her exceptional doubles play and solid singles performances.
Her four Grand Slam doubles titles and former world No. 1 ranking have made her a global tennis icon with lucrative endorsement deals.
In this article, you will know Elise Mertens’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more about this remarkable Belgian tennis star who has redefined excellence in professional tennis.
Elise Mertens’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elise Mertens |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1995 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Height | 5’10” (1.79m) |
| Weight | 148 lbs (67 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Career Earnings | $16.6+ million |
| Relationship Status | Dating Christopher Heyman |
| @mertenselise (90K+ followers) | |
| @elise_mertens (33K+ followers) | |
| Current Singles Ranking | World No. 26 |
| Career High Singles | World No. 12 |
| Career High Doubles | World No. 1 |
Early Career
Elise Mertens began her tennis journey at the tender age of four when her older sister Lauren introduced her to the sport in their hometown of Leuven, Belgium. Born to parents Guido Mertens, who makes furniture for churches, and Liliane Barbe, a teacher, Elise grew up in a supportive family environment that nurtured her athletic ambitions.
Her parents chose to home-school both daughters, allowing Elise to focus on tennis development while maintaining her academic studies.
The young Mertens showed exceptional linguistic abilities, becoming fluent in French, English, and Flemish Dutch during her formative years. Her tennis development accelerated when she joined the Belgian Federation Tennis Academy, where she received professional training alongside other promising Belgian players.
The family’s commitment to her tennis career became evident when they enrolled her at the prestigious Mouratoglou Academy to enhance her skills further.
Her junior career flourished as she looked up to Belgian tennis legends Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, who served as inspiration for her own professional aspirations. In 2015, Mertens joined the Kim Clijsters Academy, where she trained until the facility closed in 2022.
This period proved crucial for her development, as she learned the discipline and work ethic necessary to compete at the highest levels of professional tennis. Her junior achievements laid the foundation for what would become one of Belgium’s most successful tennis careers in recent history.
Professional Career
Mertens turned professional in 2013 and made her WTA Tour debut at the 2015 Copa Colsanitas, competing in doubles alongside Nastja Kolar. Her first professional breakthrough came at the 2016 Auckland Open, where she captured her maiden WTA doubles title partnering with An-Sophie Mestach.
The victory marked the beginning of what would become a dominant doubles career that would eventually take her to the pinnacle of world tennis.
Her singles breakthrough arrived at the 2017 Hobart International, where she defeated former world No. 3 Monica Niculescu in the final to claim her first WTA singles title.
The following year proved transformative when she reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, becoming the third Belgian woman to achieve this milestone after Henin and Clijsters. Her stunning quarterfinal victory over world No. 4 Elina Svitolina in straight sets announced her arrival among tennis’s elite.
The 2019 season marked Mertens’s emergence as a doubles force when she partnered with Aryna Sabalenka to complete the Sunshine Double, winning both Indian Wells and Miami. Their partnership proved golden as they captured the US Open doubles title later that year.
Her doubles success continued with three more Grand Slam titles: the 2021 Australian Open with Sabalenka, the 2021 Wimbledon with Hsieh Su-wei, and the 2024 Australian Open again with Hsieh. Mertens achieved the ultimate doubles honor in May 2021 when she reached world No. 1, becoming only the third Belgian player to hold the top ranking in either singles or doubles.
Coach
Christopher Heyman currently serves as Elise Mertens’s head coach, combining his professional expertise with their personal relationship to create a unique coaching dynamic.
Heyman stepped into the coaching role during a crucial period in 2023 when Mertens needed guidance two weeks before the US Open. His background as a former professional tennis player gives him valuable insights into the mental and physical demands that elite athletes face on tour.
Heyman’s coaching philosophy emphasizes emotional balance and strategic game development, helping Mertens maintain her aggressive baseline style while improving her mental toughness during crucial moments.
His calm demeanor provides stability for Mertens, who can be passionate and emotional during matches. The coaching arrangement allows for constant communication and support, as Heyman travels with Mertens to tournaments worldwide.
Before working with Heyman, Mertens had a complex coaching history that included several notable partnerships. Her previous coach was Simon Goffin, brother of Belgian ATP star David Goffin, who worked with her during the 2022 season.
Earlier in her career, she collaborated with Robbe Ceyssens, who was also her boyfriend at the time, though they separated their professional relationship in December 2021 to avoid conflicts between their personal and professional lives.
Mertens also worked with experienced German coach Dieter Kindlmann in 2018, a former world No. 130 who had previously coached Maria Sharapova, Madison Keys, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Kindlmann helped guide her during her breakthrough season when she reached the Australian Open semifinals and captured multiple WTA titles.
The coaching team also includes support staff who help maintain Mertens’s physical condition and mental preparation throughout the demanding tennis calendar.
Her decision to work with Heyman reflects her preference for coaches who understand both the technical aspects of tennis and the emotional challenges that come with competing at the highest level.
Their partnership has already produced positive results, including her continued success in doubles and steady performance in singles competition.
Boyfriend
Elise Mertens currently enjoys a loving relationship with Christopher Heyman, a former Belgian tennis player who now serves dual roles as both her boyfriend and coach. Their romance became public in 2023, though the couple had known each other through tennis circles for several years before their relationship blossomed.
Heyman brings his own tennis credentials to their partnership, having achieved a career-high ATP ranking of No. 258 in February 2018 and winning 19 ITF titles during his playing career.
Christopher Heyman, who is 30 years old, retired from professional tennis to focus on coaching and his relationship with Mertens. His transition from player to coach has proven seamless, as he understands the demands and pressures of professional tennis from personal experience.
The couple frequently travels together on the tour, with Heyman providing both emotional support and professional guidance during tournaments.
Elise Mertens’ Net Worth Details
Elise Mertens’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Prize Money | Singles Titles | Doubles Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,014,245 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | $2,783,414 | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 | $1,854,209 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 | $1,763,307 | 1 | 2 |
| 2021 | $2,098,133 | 1 | 4 |
| 2020 | $1,123,558 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | $2,796,400 | 1 | 3 |
| 2018 | $2,364,006 | 3 | 4 |
| 2017 | $549,215 | 1 | 1 |
| 2016 | $144,377 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | $16.6+ million | 10 | 21 |
Endorsements
Mertens’s endorsement portfolio has evolved significantly throughout her career, with her most recent major change being a switch from longtime apparel sponsor Lotto to Japanese brand Osaka World at the 2025 Australian Open.
This partnership represents Osaka World’s bold entry into professional tennis, with the brand expressing excitement about working with Mertens to establish their presence in the sport.
For equipment, she currently uses Yonex racquets after switching from Tecnifibre, demonstrating her willingness to adapt her gear to maintain competitive advantages. Her previous long-term partnership with Italian sportswear company Lotto provided comprehensive apparel and footwear sponsorship for several years.
Additional endorsement relationships have included Etixx sports nutrition, Van Lanschot wealth management, Connections travel services, and Ledsreact training technology.
She has also worked with lifestyle brands including Pine Agency and various commercial partnerships.
These diverse endorsement relationships reflect her broad appeal beyond tennis, particularly in her home market of Belgium where she remains one of the country’s most recognizable athletes.
Career Stats
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| WTA Singles Titles | 10 |
| WTA Doubles Titles | 21 |
| Grand Slam Doubles Titles | 4 |
| WTA Finals Titles | 1 (Doubles) |
| Career Singles Win-Loss | 458-269 |
| Career Doubles Win-Loss | 342-141 |
| Highest Singles Ranking | World No. 12 (November 2018) |
| Highest Doubles Ranking | World No. 1 (May 2021) |
| Current Singles Ranking | World No. 23 |
| Career Prize Money | $16.6+ million |
| 2025 Singles Win-Loss | 18-8 |
| Grand Slam Singles Best | Semifinal (2018 Australian Open) |
| WTA 1000 Doubles Titles | 6 |
| Weeks at Doubles No. 1 | Multiple |
| Playing Style | Right-handed, aggressive baseline |
| First Serve Percentage (2025) | 58.6% |
FAQs
1. How much money does Elise Mertens make per year?
Mertens earned over $1 million in prize money during 2025, ranking among the top earners on tour. Her total annual income significantly increases when including endorsement deals with brands like Osaka World and Yonex, making her one of Belgium’s highest-paid athletes.
2. Is Elise Mertens dating anyone or married?
Elise Mertens currently dates Christopher Heyman, a former Belgian tennis player who now serves as her coach. Their relationship became public in 2023, and Heyman frequently travels with her to tournaments, providing both emotional support and professional guidance throughout the tennis season.
3. What is Mertens’s biggest career achievement?
Mertens’s greatest accomplishments include winning four Grand Slam doubles titles and reaching world No. 1 in doubles ranking in May 2021. She also captured the 2022 WTA Finals doubles championship and reached the 2018 Australian Open singles semifinal, establishing herself among tennis’s elite players.
4. How many Grand Slam titles has Elise Mertens won?
Mertens has captured four Grand Slam doubles titles throughout her career: the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open with Aryna Sabalenka, plus the 2021 Wimbledon and 2024 Australian Open with Hsieh Su-wei. This makes her one of the most successful doubles players of her generation.
5. Who coaches Elise Mertens currently?
Christopher Heyman serves as Mertens’s head coach since 2023, combining his role as her boyfriend with professional guidance. The 30-year-old former Belgian tennis player achieved a career-high ranking of No. 258 and won 19 ITF titles before transitioning to coaching and supporting Mertens’s career.
