In the world of professional tennis, Elise Mertens is a name that resonates with remarkable achievements and versatility. Born on November 17, 1995, in Belgium, she has not only left an indelible mark as a successful singles player but has also soared to the pinnacle of the doubles circuit. Mertens made history by becoming the world No. 1 in doubles in May 2021, a distinction previously held by only two other Belgian legends, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.
Her prowess in doubles is highlighted by an impressive collection of titles, including three major championships at the 2019 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open with partner Aryna Sabalenka, as well as the 2021 Wimbledon Championships alongside Hsieh Su-wei. Beyond her doubles success, Mertens has claimed seven WTA Tour singles titles and reached significant milestones at Grand Slam events.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Elise Mertens’ personal life, including her relationship with boyfriend Robbe Ceyssens, adds an intriguing dimension to her story. This article delves into a different facet of Elise Mertens’ life, exploring her relationship with Robbe Ceyssens, and shedding light on the personal side of this tennis sensation.
Meet Robbe Ceyssens: Elise Mertens’ Boyfriend
Robbe Ceyssens, born on April 6, 1993, in Belgium, is best known as the boyfriend of professional tennis player Elise Mertens. Robbe, a former tennis player himself, made his mark on the ITF circuit and also had a brief stint as a junior player. However, his passion for the sport eventually led him to transition into coaching.
It was at the renowned Kim Clijsters Academy in 2015 that Robbe’s path crossed with Elise Mertens, and their connection blossomed. Robbe is not only a fellow Belgian but also two years older than Elise, establishing a strong foundation for their relationship. The couple frequently shares glimpses of their personal lives on social media, demonstrating their enjoyment of leisure activities when not immersed in their rigorous training regimes.
Their friendship served as a solid foundation for their romantic relationship, as mentioned by Elise in an interview. Together, they continue to support each other in their respective tennis careers and personal lives, making them a beloved couple in the world of tennis.
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A Peek Into Elise Mertens’ Personal Life
Elise Mertens, hailing from Leuven, Belgium, was born into a family with diverse talents and interests. She is the second daughter of Liliane Barbe, a teacher, and Guido Mertens, a skilled furniture maker known for crafting furniture for churches. Elise’s educational journey was unique as she was homeschooled, fostering a love for learning, particularly languages. She is proficient in French, English, and Flemish Dutch, showcasing her linguistic aptitude.
Her early introduction to tennis came through her older sister, Lauren, who is now an airline pilot. It was at the tender age of four that Elise began her tennis journey, thanks to Lauren’s influence. Throughout her upbringing, Mertens admired tennis legends Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, which eventually led her to become a member of the esteemed Kim Clijsters Academy, where she honed her tennis skills starting in 2015 until its closure in 2022.
Beyond her tennis prowess, Elise Mertens is known for her compassion for animals as a vegetarian and her active involvement in campaigning for animal rights, reflecting her commitment to causes close to her heart.
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Know About Elise Mertens’ Playing Style
Elise Mertens is renowned for her versatile playing style on the tennis court. Primarily a baseline player, she combines exceptional defensive skills with an aggressive shot-making capability. Her flat groundstrokes, particularly her strong backhand, penetrate deep into the court and produce numerous winners. Mertens excels at redirecting power down the line with her backhand.
One of her notable strengths is her formidable return of serve, often scoring return winners and neutralizing powerful first serve. While her first serve is potent but inconsistent, her second serve features a substantial kick, preventing opponents from capitalizing on it. Mertens’ fitness, stamina, speed, footwork, and court coverage enable her to excel in counterpunching, construct points effectively, and convert defense into offense. Her mental toughness, consistency, and determination make her a formidable competitor, despite her preference for grass, with most of her success coming on hard courts.