Donna Vekić has emerged as one of Croatia’s brightest tennis talents, admired for her powerful game, mental toughness, and elegant presence on court. From her early rise as a teenage prodigy to earning an Olympic silver medal and reaching the 2024 Wimbledon semifinals, her career reflects years of perseverance and reinvention.
Known for her attacking baseline play and competitive spirit, Vekić has remained a fixture in the WTA Tour’s top ranks. Beyond her achievements, she’s also built a name as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, balancing athletic excellence with creative pursuits.
Quick Facts of Donna Vekić
| Full Name | Donna Vekić |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 28, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Osijek, Croatia |
| Residence | Monte Carlo, Monaco |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Profession | Professional Tennis Player |
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Playing Style | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Coach (2025) | Sascha Bajin |
| Career Titles | 4 (WTA Singles) |
| Highest Ranking | No. 17 (Jan 2025) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $10 million (2025 estimate) |
| Major Achievements | Wimbledon SF (2024), Olympic Silver (2024), Australian Open QF (2023) |
Early Life and Background
Born in Osijek, Croatia, Donna Vekić grew up in a family passionate about sports. Her father, Igor, played professional football as a goalkeeper for NK Osijek, while her mother, Brankica, encouraged Donna’s athletic ambitions. Starting tennis at age six, she quickly showed promise and later trained at the renowned IMG Academy in Florida, sharpening her technique and mental edge.
Her early development combined Croatian grit with international exposure, shaping her into a disciplined and fearless competitor.
Professional Career Highlights
Vekić turned professional in 2012 and made an instant impression by reaching her first WTA final at the Tashkent Open at only 16. In 2014, she captured her first WTA title at the Malaysian Open, defeating top seed Dominika Cibulková. Over the years, she added more titles at Nottingham (2017), Courmayeur (2021), and Monterrey (2023), each marking a major comeback phase in her evolving career.
Her 2019 US Open quarterfinal run and 2024 Wimbledon semifinal established her among the elite. That Wimbledon match against Jasmine Paolini became the longest women’s semifinal in tournament history. Later that summer, she won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making her the first Croatian woman to medal in Olympic tennis.
By 2025, Vekić had amassed over US $10 million in prize money and reclaimed a place inside the world’s Top 70 after a brief injury setback.
Playing Style and Coaching
Donna’s aggressive baseline play, explosive forehand, and precise serving make her a formidable opponent on grass and hard courts. Her adaptability and composure under pressure set her apart.
After working successfully with Pam Shriver (2022–2025), she joined Sascha Bajin in mid-2025 to refine her tactical consistency and net play.
Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy
Off the court, Vekić channels her creativity into business and charitable projects. In 2021, she launched DNNA, a luxury home-fragrance brand featuring beeswax candles and reed diffusers. A portion of the profits supports bee-conservation initiatives in Croatia.
Between 2021 and 2024, she also opened three public tennis courts in her hometown of Osijek, designed after major Grand Slam surfaces to inspire the next generation of Croatian players.
Personal Life
Vekić previously dated Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka from 2015 to 2019. Since then, she has remained focused on her career and business ventures while maintaining a low-profile lifestyle in Monaco.
Her combination of resilience, entrepreneurship, and grace continues to make her one of tennis’s most respected figures.
Legacy and Future Outlook
As of 2025, Donna Vekić aims to return to the world’s Top 20 and capture her first Grand Slam title. With renewed confidence and elite coaching, she continues to represent Croatian excellence on the global stage.
Her career story demonstrates persistence, adaptability, and the courage to evolve—qualities that ensure Donna Vekić’s legacy extends far beyond the tennis court.
