Elise Mertens is the only woman to win more than $1 million in both singles and doubles.

Elise Mertens is the only woman to win more than $1 million in both singles and doubles.

**Elise Mertens: The Only Woman to Win More Than $1 Million in Both Singles and Doubles**

Elise Mertens, the Belgian tennis star, has reached a remarkable milestone in her career, becoming the first and only female player to win over $1 million in both singles and doubles. This achievement not only underscores her versatility and success across all formats of the game but also highlights her significance in the modern tennis landscape. While Mertens’ singles career has garnered much attention, her accomplishments in doubles are equally impressive, cementing her status as one of the most well-rounded players on the WTA Tour.

### A Stellar Career in Singles and Doubles

Elise Mertens has enjoyed considerable success in both singles and doubles, a rare feat in modern tennis. In singles, Mertens has reached the top 10 of the WTA rankings, and her breakthrough came in 2018 when she made a stunning run to the Australian Open semifinals. She followed that with consistent performances in major tournaments and has captured multiple WTA singles titles, including victories at the Doha Open, the Luxembourg Open, and the Hobart International.

Her success in doubles, however, is what sets her apart from many of her contemporaries. In 2019, Mertens reached a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 12. Partnering with a variety of players, including former World No. 1 Viktoria Azarenka, Mertens has clinched several prestigious doubles titles, including a Grand Slam victory at the 2019 US Open. Her partnership with Azarenka was particularly fruitful, as they captured the title in New York, proving Mertens’ prowess in both disciplines.

Mertens’ ability to thrive in both singles and doubles is a testament to her adaptability and skill set. Where many players specialize in one discipline, Mertens has demonstrated that she can excel in both, maintaining a high level of performance in each.

### Achieving the $1 Million Milestone

The financial side of tennis is often a reflection of a player’s success on the court, and Mertens’ achievement of earning over $1 million in both singles and doubles is a rare and impressive feat. To put this in perspective, the total earnings of a professional tennis player are often concentrated in either singles or doubles. While the top singles players are able to rack up large sums of prize money, doubles players typically earn less, as the prize pools are divided between two competitors. Very few players manage to make substantial earnings in both categories, but Mertens has managed to do so with consistent success in both fields.

Mertens’ singles career earnings have been bolstered by consistent deep runs in major tournaments, where she has earned prize money as well as points toward her ranking. As of late 2024, her singles earnings have exceeded $7 million, with her singles titles and notable performances at the Grand Slams providing a steady stream of income.

On the doubles side, Mertens has accumulated significant earnings as well, with more than $2 million in prize money in doubles. Her triumph at the 2019 US Open, where she partnered with Azarenka to win the title, was a major contributor to this total. Success in doubles often requires a different set of skills, including court positioning, communication, and teamwork, and Mertens has proven that she is capable of excelling in this arena as well.

By reaching the $1 million mark in both disciplines, Mertens has solidified her place in tennis history. Her financial achievements reflect her success on the court and are a testament to her diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to the sport.

### Mertens’ Impact on Women’s Tennis

Mertens’ unique achievement also holds broader implications for women’s tennis, a sport where success in both singles and doubles is often hard to achieve. Many of the game’s greatest players, including Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Martina Navratilova, have focused their energies primarily on one discipline. While doubles is often seen as secondary to singles, Mertens’ accomplishments show that it can be a serious career path for players who choose to specialize or pursue both avenues.

Moreover, Mertens’ rise in the doubles ranks also helps to elevate the visibility of women’s doubles tennis. In a sport often dominated by singles narratives, doubles is sometimes overlooked. However, Mertens’ success, particularly her Grand Slam win with Azarenka, has demonstrated the prestige and importance of doubles in the tennis world, helping to shine a spotlight on the format and inspire a new generation of players to pursue excellence in both disciplines.

### The Future of Elise Mertens

At just 28 years old, Mertens is far from finished, and there’s plenty of tennis left for her to play. As she continues to compete in both singles and doubles, her presence on the WTA Tour will be a source of inspiration for many. The financial milestone she has reached could act as a springboard for further success, as she has the potential to continue winning titles in both categories.

Looking ahead, Mertens is expected to remain one of the most competitive players in women’s tennis. With her diverse game, solid baseline play, and strong doubles pedigree, Mertens could have more Grand Slam titles in her future, both in singles and doubles. As the tennis landscape evolves, Mertens’ success in balancing both disciplines may serve as a model for future players.

### Conclusion

Elise Mertens’ unique achievement of earning over $1 million in both singles and doubles sets her apart as one of the most versatile and accomplished players in modern tennis. Her ability to succeed in both disciplines demonstrates her remarkable adaptability and skill set, earning her a place in tennis history. As she continues to perform at a high level, Mertens’ accomplishments are sure to inspire future generations of tennis players to pursue success in both singles and doubles, elevating the profile of women’s tennis as a whole.