Donna Vekic Bio
Donna Vekic is a Croatian professional tennis player who has achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 17 on January 27, 2025. Born on June 28, 1996, in Osijek, Croatia, she has made significant strides in her career, including reaching the semifinals at the Wimbledon Championships in 2024—a historic milestone for Croatian women’s tennis. Apart from her on-court success, Vekic is an Olympic silver medalist, having represented her country in singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With four singles titles on the WTA Tour and a strong performance record, Vekic continues to be a prominent figure in the world of tennis.
Early Life and Background
Vekic was born in Osijek to father Igor and mother Brankica. Her father was a goalkeeper for NK Osijek. She has a brother, Bruno. She began playing tennis at the age of six and trained at the IMG Academy from the age of nine. This early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for her future success.
Path to Tennis
Donna Vekic’s journey in professional tennis began when she turned pro in September 2012. She quickly made a name for herself by participating in various tournaments and showcasing her talent. Vekic made her first notable appearance at the Tashkent Open, where she reached her first WTA Tour final as the youngest player in six years to do so. Although she lost the final, her performance marked the beginning of her promising career.
Donna Vekic Career
Early Career (2012-2014)
In her early career, Vekic played in several tournaments, gaining valuable experience and recognition. In 2014, she won her first WTA Tour title at the Malaysian Open, defeating top seed Dominika Cibulkova in the final. This victory was a significant milestone, establishing her as a rising star in women’s tennis.
Breakthrough (2019-2024)
Vekic’s breakthrough came in 2019 when she reached the quarterfinals of the US Open, becoming the first Croatian woman to do so since Ana Konjuh in 2016. Her impressive performance at the tournament solidified her position in the top 20 rankings. In 2024, she reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, making history as the first Croatian woman to achieve this feat at the All England Club since Mirjana Lučić-Baroni in 1999. Vekic’s journey at Wimbledon was remarkable, as she defeated several strong opponents before falling to Jasmine Paolini in the semifinals.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Vekic has won four singles titles on the WTA Tour and has been recognized for her achievements, including her Olympic silver medal in singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her career-high ranking of No. 17 reflects her dedication and hard work in the sport.
Donna Vekic Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Donna Vekic has received various nominations for her outstanding performances in tennis, showcasing her talent and commitment to the sport.
Donna Vekic Awards Won
Donna Vekic has won several awards during her career, including four WTA Tour titles and an Olympic silver medal, highlighting her achievements and contributions to tennis.
Donna Vekic Family
Donna Vekic comes from a supportive family background. Her father, Igor, and mother, Brankica, have played a significant role in her life and career. She also has a brother named Bruno, who has been a part of her journey.
Personal Life
Donna Vekic is currently in a relationship with fellow tennis player Stan Wawrinka. In addition to her tennis career, she has founded a luxury home fragrance brand, DNNA, which supports bee conservation efforts in Croatia. Vekic is also committed to giving back to her community, having opened three public tennis courts in her hometown of Osijek, modeled after Grand Slam venues.
