Donna Vekić was born in Osijek, Croatia. From an early age, she exhibited a passion for tennis, beginning her training at just six years old. By the age of nine, Vekić was honing her skills at the prestigious IMG Academy. Her father, Igor, was a goalkeeper for NK Osijek, which instilled a strong sports background in the family. Vekić quickly rose through the ranks of junior tennis, showcasing her talent on both national and international stages.
Contents
- Surprising Facts and Biography
- Professional Career and Achievements
- Personal Life and Entrepreneurship
- Unknown Facts
- 1. Sports-Oriented Family
- 2. Training at IMG Academy
- 3. Breaking into the WTA Top 20
- 4. Historic Wimbledon Semifinal
- 5. Olympic Silver Medalist
- 6. Successful Entrepreneurial Venture
- 7. Philanthropic Contributions to Osijek
- 8. Notable Relationships
- 9. WTA Tour Titles
- 10. ITF Circuit Success
- 11. Resilience Through Injuries
- 12. Historic Firsts for Croatia
- 13. Dynamic Playing Style
- 14. Longest Wimbledon Semifinal Match
- 15. Loves Fashion
- 16. Off-Court Hobbies
- 17. Aiming for a Grand Slam Title
Surprising Facts and Biography
| Donna Vekić Wiki and Biography | |
| Real Name | Donna Vekić |
| Nickname | Donna |
| Profession | Professional tennis player |
| Age | 28 Years (2024) |
| Date of Birth | 28 June 1996 |
| Birthplace | Osijek, Croatia |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Gender | Female |
| Height in Inches | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight in KG | 64 kg |
Professional Career and Achievements
Vekić made her mark on the WTA Tour with her first singles title at the 2014 Malaysian Open. She continued to build her reputation as a formidable player by winning three more WTA singles titles: the 2017 Nottingham Open, the 2021 Courmayeur Ladies Open, and the 2023 Monterrey Open. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 19 in November 2019.
In 2024, Vekić reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, her best performance in a Grand Slam event to date. She also secured a silver medal in singles at the 2024 Olympics, further cementing her status as a top player in the world of tennis.
| Affairs, Boyfriends, and Marital Status | |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Boyfriend | Borna Coric |
| Ex– Boyfriend | Stan Wawrinka |
Personal Life and Entrepreneurship
Vekić’s life off the court is equally impressive. She founded a luxury home fragrance brand, DNNA, in 2021, focusing on beeswax candles and reed diffusers. A portion of the sales is donated to bee conservation efforts in Croatia. Her commitment to her hometown is evident as she opened three public tennis courts in Osijek, modeled after Grand Slam venues.
| Family and Relatives | |
| Father | Igor Vekić |
| Mother | Brankica Vekić |
| Brother | Bruno Vekić |
Unknown Facts
1. Sports-Oriented Family
Donna comes from a sports-centric family. Her father, Igor Vekić, was a goalkeeper for NK Osijek, a prominent Croatian football club. This athletic environment played a significant role in nurturing her competitive spirit.
2. Training at IMG Academy
At just nine years old, Donna moved to the prestigious IMG Academy in the United States. Training alongside some of the best young talents in the world, she honed her skills and developed a strong work ethic that would propel her professional career.
3. Breaking into the WTA Top 20
In November 2019, Donna achieved her career-high singles ranking of World No. 19. This milestone marked her emergence as a formidable competitor on the WTA Tour, showcasing her consistent performance and dedication.
4. Historic Wimbledon Semifinal
Donna made history at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships by reaching the semifinals—the first Croatian woman to do so at the All England Club since Mirjana Lučić-Baroni in 1999. This achievement solidified her status as one of Croatia’s top tennis talents.
5. Olympic Silver Medalist
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Donna secured a silver medal in singles. Her remarkable performance not only earned her personal accolades but also made her the first Croatian woman to reach the medal stage at the Olympics in tennis.
6. Successful Entrepreneurial Venture
In 2021, Donna ventured into the business world by founding DNNA, a luxury home fragrance brand. Specializing in beeswax candles and reed diffusers, DNNA reflects her commitment to quality and sustainability. A portion of the sales revenue is donated to bee conservation efforts in Croatia, highlighting her dedication to environmental causes.
7. Philanthropic Contributions to Osijek
Donna has a strong connection to her hometown. Between 2021 and 2024, she opened three public tennis courts in Osijek, each modeled after Grand Slam venues. These facilities provide local youth with access to high-quality training environments, fostering the next generation of Croatian tennis stars.
8. Notable Relationships
Donna was in a high-profile relationship with fellow tennis star Stan Wawrinka from 2015 to 2019. Currently, she is dating Borna Ćorić, another prominent Croatian tennis player. These relationships have kept her in the spotlight beyond her athletic achievements.
9. WTA Tour Titles
Donna has claimed four singles titles on the WTA Tour:
2014 Malaysian Open
2017 Nottingham Open
2021 Courmayeur Ladies Open
2023 Monterrey Open
Each title showcases her ability to perform under pressure and compete against top-tier opponents.
10. ITF Circuit Success
In addition to her WTA titles, Donna has also excelled on the ITF Circuit, securing five singles titles and one doubles title. These victories have been crucial in building her ranking and gaining valuable match experience.
11. Resilience Through Injuries
Donna has faced her share of challenges, including injuries that have temporarily sidelined her. In 2021, she underwent surgery on her right knee, demonstrating her resilience and determination to return stronger to the court.
12. Historic Firsts for Croatia
Donna has achieved several “firsts” for Croatian women in tennis. She is the first Croatian woman to reach the semifinals at Wimbledon and the first to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal at the US Open since Ana Konjuh in 2016.
13. Dynamic Playing Style
Known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful forehand, Donna combines athleticism with strategic gameplay. Her ability to adapt to different surfaces has been a key factor in her international success.
14. Longest Wimbledon Semifinal Match
In her historic run to the Wimbledon semifinals, Donna played the longest-ever women’s singles semifinal match at the tournament. This grueling three-hour match against Jasmine Paolini showcased her endurance and mental fortitude.
15. Loves Fashion
Known for her stylish on-court outfits, Donna Vekić has a passion for fashion. She often collaborates with sportswear brands, and her elegant style has made her a fan favorite.
16. Off-Court Hobbies
In her downtime, Donna enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring new cultures. These hobbies allow her to relax and recharge during the demanding tennis season.
17. Aiming for a Grand Slam Title
With a career that continues to rise, Donna Vekić’s ultimate goal remains winning a Grand Slam title. Given her talent, perseverance, and competitive nature, this dream may soon become a reality.
Donna’s journey from a young tennis enthusiast to a global sports star is nothing short of inspiring. With her continued dedication to tennis and her entrepreneurial spirit, she remains a significant figure in both the sports and business worlds.
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