Elena Vesnina

Elena Vesnina – Life, Career & Inspirational Insights


Learn about Elena Vesnina, the Russian tennis star (born August 1, 1986). Explore her biography, singles and doubles achievements, Olympic success, playing style, personality, notable remarks, and lessons from her journey.

Introduction

Elena Sergeyevna Vesnina (born August 1, 1986) is a celebrated Russian former professional tennis player known especially for her excellence in doubles. Over her career, Vesnina has won multiple Grand Slam titles, reached world No. 1 in doubles, and earned an Olympic gold medal. Her journey blends persistence in singles and dominance in doubles, making her one of Russia’s most respected tennis figures.

Early Life & Background

Elena Vesnina was born in Lviv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (present-day Ukraine) on August 1, 1986.

Vesnina moved to Sochi, Russia during her youth and began playing tennis at age 7 in a sports school in Sochi. 2002.

Professional Tennis Career

Singles Highlights

  • Vesnina achieved her career-high singles ranking of world No. 13 in March 2017.

  • She won 3 WTA singles titles during her career.

  • Her best Grand Slam singles run was reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2016.

  • In the majors, she also posted solid performances: 4th round in the Australian Open (2006, 2013) and reaching third rounds in French Open and US Open multiple times.

Though she showed strong talent in singles, much of her fame and consistency came via her doubles success.

Doubles & Mixed Doubles Achievements

This is where Vesnina truly shone — her doubles record is outstanding:

  • She won 19 WTA doubles titles and reached the top doubles ranking No. 1 on June 11, 2018 (with Ekaterina Makarova).

  • Grand Slam doubles titles she claimed:

    1. 2013 French Open (women’s doubles)

    2. 2014 US Open (women’s doubles)

    3. 2017 Wimbledon (women’s doubles)

  • In mixed doubles, Vesnina won the 2016 Australian Open with partner Bruno Soares.

  • She also reached finals in mixed doubles at other majors (e.g. French Open, Wimbledon).

  • She won the WTA Finals in doubles in 2016.

Olympic & Team Contributions

  • Vesnina earned Olympic gold in women’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics, alongside Ekaterina Makarova.

  • She also won an Olympic silver in mixed doubles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, partnering Aslan Karatsev.

  • In Russia’s national team events, she participated in the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup), helping Russia win in 2007 and 2008.

Later Years, Comeback & Retirement

  • In late 2018, Vesnina took maternity leave.

  • She made a comeback in 2021, playing in doubles and mixed doubles, and competing again in Grand Slams and Olympics.

  • After a hiatus in 2022–2023, during which she welcomed her second child, she returned briefly in 2024.

  • Vesnina officially retired from professional tennis on November 21, 2024.

Style of Play & Persona

  • Vesnina played right-handed with a two-handed backhand.

  • In doubles, her strengths included net play, reflexes, positioning, and partnership synergy (especially with Makarova).

  • She was known for mental resilience, adaptability, and being a reliable doubles partner under pressure.

Off the court, she is described as disciplined, family-oriented, and humble despite her achievements.

Memorable Quotes & Reflections

While Vesnina is not as heavily quoted as some athletes, her attitudes and public remarks reflect her mindset:

  • Upon her comeback: she remarked on the challenge and joy of balancing motherhood and elite competition.

  • She has expressed gratitude for her success in doubles, valuing teamwork and communication.

  • She has spoken about patience — in recovery, in returning to form, and in the long arc of professional sport.

Though direct short quotes are less documented, her career speaks to perseverance, partnership, and tenacity.

Key Takeaways & Lessons

  1. Embrace specialization & teamwork
    Even if singles success is limited, one can excel by focusing on strengths (as Vesnina did in doubles).

  2. Balance career and life
    She navigated motherhood, breaks, and comebacks while maintaining competitiveness.

  3. Resilience through fluctuation
    Her rankings, injuries, breaks, and returns reflect the inevitable peaks and valleys in sport.

  4. Value partnerships
    Her most successful years came through deep synergy with her doubles partners, especially Ekaterina Makarova.

  5. Exit with dignity
    Choosing a retirement moment, Vesnina closed a storied career on her own terms.

Articles by the author

I will remember this day for the rest of my life. There is nothing you can say. It's just like you won the match after the earthquake and it just feels great.

Elena Vesnina