Belgium is home to some of the best tennis players in the world. From Grand Slam champions to rising stars, Belgian tennis players have made their mark on the international tennis circuit.
From the legendary Justine Henin to the young and talented Elise Mertens, the Belgian tennis scene is filled with players who have achieved tremendous success.
We will take a look at some of the best tennis players in Belgium and explore their impressive accomplishments.
1. David Goffin
David Goffin is a highly successful professional tennis player from Belgium. He is currently the Belgian No. 1 and holds a career-high singles ranking of world No. 7, making him the first Belgian man to ever be ranked in the top 10.
Goffin has had an impressive career, winning six ATP titles and reaching nine other finals. His most impressive accomplishment to date was at the 2017 ATP Finals, where he had a great run and made it to the final, only to narrowly miss out on the title.
He has since maintained his high ranking and is considered one of the top tennis players in the world.
2. Ruben Bemelmans
Ruben Bemelmans is a former professional tennis player from Belgium. He has achieved an impressive ranking on the ATP Tour, reaching a career-high of world No. 84 in singles in September 2015 and world No. 128 in doubles in October 2012.
Bemelmans was mainly active on the ATP Challenger Tour, where he achieved some of his best results. He was known for his powerful forehand and aggressive style of play, which made him a formidable opponent on the court.
His commitment to the sport and impressive career rankings demonstrate his dedication to the sport of tennis.
3. Kimmer Coppejans
Kimmer Coppejans is a professional tennis player from Belgium. He is currently the second highest ranked Belgian singles tennis player. In June 2015, he achieved his best ranking on the ATP tour, reaching world No. 97.
Coppejans primarily competes on the ATP Challenger Tour circuit, where he has been able to showcase his talents.
The ATP Challenger Tour is a series of professional tennis tournaments held around the world, and is a great platform for players to make their mark and progress to the higher tiers of the ATP tour.
Coppejans has taken advantage of this platform to hone his skills and compete against the best tennis players in the world. He is a dedicated professional who is constantly looking to improve his game and reach the top levels of the sport.
4. Maxime Authom
Maxime Authom is a professional tennis player from Belgium. He currently competes on the ATP Challenger Tour, which is the second highest level of men’s professional tennis.
Authom is a rising star in the world of tennis, having achieved success at a young age. The ATP Challenger Tour is a series of tournaments that are played in various countries throughout the world. Players compete in singles and doubles matches in order to earn points and money.
The Challenger Tour is a great opportunity for players to hone their skills and gain experience before competing at the highest level. Maxime Authom has already made a name for himself on the ATP Challenger Tour, having achieved some impressive results over the past few years.
He has won several titles and has reached the quarter-finals of many tournaments.
Authom is currently a top-200 player in the world rankings and is steadily climbing up the rankings. Authom is a hard-working player who puts in the necessary effort to improve and reach the highest level of the sport.
He has a bright future ahead of him and is certainly one to watch in the coming years.
5. Zizou Bergs
Zizou Bergs is an up-and-coming Belgian professional tennis player who is currently ranked as the third best singles player in Belgium. He achieved his highest ATP singles ranking of World No. 112 on 6 February 2023 and his highest ATP doubles ranking of World No.
345 on 26 June 2023. These impressive rankings are a testament to Zizou’s hard work and dedication to the sport, and his prowess as a tennis player is undeniable.
He continues to strive for success and excel in the world of tennis, and with his current rankings, it’s clear that he’s on the right path.
6. Michael Geerts
Michael Geerts is a professional tennis player from Belgium. He currently holds the highest ATP singles ranking of 212, which he achieved on April 3rd 2023. Additionally, Geerts has the highest ATP doubles ranking of 162, which he achieved on October 17th 2022.
As a professional tennis player, Geerts mainly competes on the ATP Challenger Tour.
The ATP Challenger Tour is the second-highest level of tennis tournaments after the ATP World Tour, and is a great opportunity for up-and-coming players to make a name for themselves in the world of professional tennis.
Geerts has taken advantage of this platform to hone his skills and compete against some of the best players in the world. He has been able to use his success in the Challenger Tour to propel himself to the higher ranks of professional tennis.
7. Yannick Mertens
Yannick Mertens is a professional tennis player from Belgium. He has made a name for himself on the ATP Challenger Tour, where he has had great success.
On July 27, 2015, he achieved his highest ATP singles ranking of 179, an impressive feat for a player competing on the Challenger Tour. His highest doubles ranking of 363 was achieved on September 19, 2011.
This is an indication of his consistency in the game, as he has been able to stay within the top 500 rankings for the past several years. Mertens has been able to use his skill and experience to remain competitive in the tennis world.
He is an example of hard work and dedication paying off, as he continues to strive for a higher ranking and more success.
8. Alexander Blockx
Alexander Blockx is an accomplished Belgian tennis player who achieved a career-high junior tennis ranking of No. 1 in both singles and doubles on 1 May 2023.
This remarkable feat was accomplished after Blockx won the 2023 Australian Open boys singles title and reached the final of the 2023 boys doubles.
This impressive accomplishment highlights Blockx’s skill and talent in the sport of tennis, and his remarkable success in the junior tennis circuit. Blockx’s victory at the Australian Open boys singles was the culmination of a long and hard-fought journey.
He had to face some of the top junior players in the world and come out on top to claim the title. His success in the boys doubles final was also remarkable, as he was able to come so close to claiming the title.
Alexander Blockx’s impressive junior tennis career has been an inspiration to aspiring tennis players around the world. He has proven that hard work and dedication can pay off, and that success can be achieved in the junior tennis circuit.
Blockx’s success in the junior tennis circuit is a testament to his talent and skill as a tennis player, and he is sure to continue to make waves in the tennis world in the future.
9. Kirsten Flipkens
Kirsten “Flipper” Flipkens is a well-known former professional tennis player from Belgium. She has achieved great success throughout her career, as evidenced by her career-high ranking of No. 13 by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
Flipkens has won one singles title on the WTA Tour, which was the 2012 Tournoi de Québec, in addition to seven doubles titles. Her accomplishments in the game of tennis are quite impressive, and she has become a source of inspiration for many aspiring tennis players.
She has been able to achieve success due to her hard work and dedication to the game. Flipkens is a prime example of what can be achieved when one puts in the necessary effort. Flipkens is also known for her sportsmanship and willingness to help others in the tennis community.
She is an active member of the WTA Player Council and has been vocal about her support for the organization.
Additionally, she has been a part of many charitable causes and has used her platform to raise awareness for various causes. Overall, Kirsten “Flipper” Flipkens is an admirable tennis player who has accomplished a great deal in her career.
She has achieved tremendous success through her hard work and dedication and has become an inspiration to many. Her charitable work and commitment to the game of tennis have also highlighted her character and made her an admirable role model within the community.
10. Justine Henin
Justine Henin CMW is an accomplished Belgian tennis player who achieved world No. 1 status for a total of 117 weeks. During her career, she was the year-end world No. 1 in three consecutive years, 2003, 2006, and 2007.
This places her among the most successful female tennis players of all time. Henin was a powerful and precise baseline player with great movement and footwork, allowing her to reach balls that most players would not have been able to reach.
She was also known for her aggressive backhand and her ability to hit flat and spin shots. Her strong mental game and focus on the court made her a formidable opponent. Henin was known for her strong will and determination, which led her to success on the court.
She was able to consistently defeat opponents who were technically superior. In addition to her impressive results, she was also an inspiration to many aspiring female tennis players.
Justine Henin’s accomplishments are still remembered and respected today, and her legacy lives on in the world of tennis. She is a great example of what hard work and dedication can achieve in the sport.
11. Kim Clijsters
Kim Clijsters is an impressive athlete who achieved great success in her professional tennis career. She was born in Belgium and started playing tennis at a young age.
Her dedication and hard work paid off as she climbed to the top of the rankings, becoming the first woman to hold the world number one rankings in both singles and doubles simultaneously in 2003.
Not only did she achieve this honor, but she also won six major titles during her career: four in singles and two in doubles. Her impressive accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Clijsters was known for her intense competitive spirit and her ability to push herself to reach her goals. She was always determined to be the best and her determination is what led her to the top of the rankings.
Her aggressive attitude on the court combined with her hardworking attitude off the court made her a formidable opponent. Her tenacity and focus showed in her matches and it’s no wonder why she was able to achieve so much success in her career.
In addition to her success in the sport, Clijsters is also known for her charitable work off the court. She worked with the UNICEF Foundation and supported the fight against HIV/AIDS. She also donated a large portion of her winnings to various charities and organizations.
Kim Clijsters has left a lasting legacy in the world of tennis. She is remembered as one of the most successful and decorated players in the sport and her accomplishments will never be forgotten.
12. Olivier Rochus
Olivier Rochus is a retired Belgian tennis player who achieved a great deal of success in his career. He is the younger brother of Christophe Rochus, who was a top-40 tennis player in his own right.
During his career, Olivier won two singles titles and, in 2004, he won the French Open doubles title alongside fellow Belgian Xavier Malisse. His highest singles ranking was world No. 24, which he achieved in 2006.
Olivier was known for his tenacity and skill on the court, and his success in the doubles game was particularly impressive.
He was able to consistently partner with other players to great success, and his partnership with fellow Belgian Xavier Malisse was particularly successful. Their winning of the 2004 French Open doubles title was a highlight of his career.
In addition to his impressive singles and doubles career, Olivier also achieved success in the Davis Cup. He represented Belgium in the competition for many years, and he was part of the team that won the 2004 Davis Cup.
Overall, Olivier Rochus was an incredibly successful tennis player, and he achieved a great deal both in singles and doubles. His partnership with Xavier Malisse was particularly impressive, and his highest singles ranking of world No.
24 is a testament to his skill and hard work.
13. Xavier Malisse
Xavier Malisse is a Belgian former professional tennis player. He hails from Kortrijk, a city located in the north-west of Belgium. He goes by the nickname ‘X-Man’ and is one of only two Belgian men to have been ranked in the top 20 of the ATP Tour.
His highest singles ranking was world number 19, the highest ranking achieved by any Belgian male player. Malisse has had an impressive career as a professional tennis player. He has won five singles titles and five doubles titles, including two ATP 500 Series titles.
His most successful year was in 2002, where he reached the quarterfinals of the French Open and the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Championships.
He was also a member of the Belgian Davis Cup team for over 10 years, helping his team reach the semi-finals of the competition in 2001. Malisse’s success didn’t just come on the court. He was also a popular figure off the court.
In 2005, he was appointed as the first ambassador of the Belgian Tennis Federation.
He was also an ambassador for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in 2003, helping to promote the foundation’s work in providing sports opportunities for underprivileged children. Xavier Malisse has had a successful and memorable career as a professional tennis player.
His career-high singles ranking of world No. 19 highlights his achievements in the sport and stands testament to the hard work and dedication he has put into the sport. He will certainly be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever come from Belgium.
14. Sabine Appelmans
Sabine Appelmans is an accomplished former professional tennis player from Belgium. She was born in 1973 and began her professional tennis career in 1988. During her career, she was ranked as high as number nine in the world and won two WTA singles titles.
She was also a four-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open in 1996 and the US Open in 1997 and 1998. Aside from her accomplishments on the court, Appelmans is also known for her leadership in the sport of tennis.
From 2007 until 2011, she was the captain of Belgium’s Fed Cup team. During her tenure, she led the team to the quarterfinals in 2009 and 2011.
Appelmans also served as an advisor to the Belgian Tennis Federation in 2015 and 2016. Overall, Appelmans is one of the most successful tennis players to come out of Belgium.
Her accomplishments on the court and her leadership as Fed Cup captain have made her an inspiration to aspiring tennis players everywhere.
15. Dominique Monami
Dominique Monami is a significant figure in Belgian tennis history. She was born in Verviers, Belgium and went on to become the first ever Belgian tennis professional to break into the top 10 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings.
Monami had a successful career in professional tennis, representing her country in numerous tournaments across the globe. She was known for her powerful serves and consistent groundstrokes, which helped her to achieve her career-high ranking of 10th in the world.
Despite retiring from the sport in 2004, Monami is remembered fondly by Belgian tennis fans for her accomplishments and for inspiring a generation of young Belgian tennis players.
16. Elise Mertens
Elise Mertens is an exceptionally talented tennis player from Belgium. She achieved a major milestone in her career in May 2021 when she was crowned the world No. 1 in doubles, becoming the third Belgian to have accomplished this feat.
Her predecessors in this regard are Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin – two of the most successful tennis players to have ever come out of Belgium.
Mertens has been steadily climbing the rankings in the sport since her professional debut in 2016, and her latest accomplishment is a testament to her dedication and hard work.
She has been a role model for aspiring Belgian tennis players, showing them what can be achieved with the right attitude and commitment. Her rise to the top has been an inspiration to many.
17. Nelly Landry
Nelly Adamson Landry was a tennis player from Belgium who achieved great success during her career. In 1948, she won the women’s singles championship at the French Championships, defeating Shirley Fry.
This wasn’t the first time she had reached a major final, as she had been a finalist at the same tournament ten years earlier. On that occasion, she unfortunately lost out to Simonne Mathieu.
The following year, 1949, Landry reached the final yet again, but this time was unable to clinch the title, losing to Margaret Osborne duPont.
It was clear from her consistent success that Nelly Adamson Landry was an outstanding tennis player, and her impressive record stands testament to her achievements.
18. Yanina Wickmayer
Yanina Wickmayer is a successful professional tennis player from Belgium. She had a remarkable 2009 season, reaching the semifinals of the US Open and earning the WTA award for Most Improved Player.
Her success continued in 2010, when she achieved a career-high WTA ranking of world No. 12 on April 19th. Not only did she excel in singles, but she also achieved a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 71 on February 15th.
All of these achievements demonstrate her hard work and dedication to the sport of tennis. Wickmayer’s accomplishments make her a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.
19. Steve Darcis
Steve Darcis is a Belgian former professional tennis player who had a successful career. He won two ATP titles in singles and held a career-high ranking of world No. 38 on 22 May 2017. This was the highest ranking Darcis achieved in his career.
He is known for his strong serve and solid groundstrokes. Darcis also competed in the Davis Cup for Belgium multiple times and was part of the team when they won the title in 2015. He retired from professional tennis in 2020 after a 15-year career.
Throughout his career, Darcis was a fierce competitor who was always looking for ways to improve his game. He will be remembered for his hard work and dedication to the sport.
20. Alison Van Uytvanck
Alison Van Uytvanck is a Belgian professional tennis player who has achieved remarkable success in her career. She has won five singles and two doubles titles on the WTA Tour, as well as three singles titles on the Challenger Tour.
Additionally, she has also won thirteen singles and two doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. In August 2018, she achieved her highest singles ranking to date, at world No. 37. Van Uytvanck’s achievements are even more impressive considering her young age.
She has established herself as a strong competitor in the world of professional tennis and is sure to have a bright future ahead of her.
Her impressive list of titles is a testament to her skill and dedication, and she will no doubt continue to climb the rankings and add even more titles to her collection.
21. Christophe Rochus
Christophe Rochus is a retired professional male tennis player from Belgium. He had a successful career, reaching the semi-finals of the Hamburg Masters in 2005 and being runner-up in two ATP tournaments, Valencia and Rotterdam.
He is the older brother of Olivier Rochus, also a professional tennis player. Christophe was born in Belgium in 1979. He began playing tennis at a young age, and by the age of 18 he had already achieved a ranking of number 97 in the world.
He went on to reach a career-high ranking of number 12 in 2004, becoming the highest-ranked tennis player from Belgium.
He competed in the French Open five times and reached the fourth round twice. In 2005, Christophe reached the semi-finals of the Hamburg Masters, where he lost to Roger Federer in the deciding set.
During the same year, he was runner-up in two ATP tournaments, Valencia and Rotterdam.
He also reached the quarter-finals of the US Open in 2006, becoming the first Belgian to do so since 2002. Christophe retired from professional tennis in 2008, having achieved a total of three ATP titles and two Grand Slam quarter-finals.
He has since become a coach and has worked with players such as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Stan Wawrinka. His brother Olivier, also a professional tennis player, has won five ATP titles and reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2004.
22. Dick Norman
Dick Norman was a well-known professional tennis player from Belgium. He was popular among tennis fans for his impressive height, powerful left-handed playing style, and, in the last few years of his career, his age.
Norman was able to compete at a high level despite being an older athlete. After retiring from professional tennis, Norman continued to be involved in the sport by coaching and organizing local tennis events.
His commitment to the sport and dedication to helping others make him an admired figure in the tennis world. Through his work with youth tennis programs and other initiatives, he has been able to help inspire the next generation of tennis players.
Norman is an example of how age is no barrier to success in the sport of tennis.
23. Filip Dewulf
Filip Dewulf was a Belgian professional male tennis player who had a successful career on the ATP Tour. He won two singles titles and one doubles title during his time on the tour.
In 1997, he achieved his best singles result to date by making it to the semifinals of the French Open. This was an incredible feat for a Belgian tennis player, as he was the first from the country to ever reach the semi-final of a Grand Slam tournament.
This result further solidified Dewulf’s place in tennis history as one of the greatest players to ever come out of Belgium. He demonstrated great skill, determination, and perseverance throughout his career, which enabled him to reach such a high level of success.
24. Kristof Vliegen
Kristof Vliegen is a former professional tennis player from Belgium. He is right-handed and began his professional career in 2001.
In 2006, Vliegen reached the semi-finals of the ATP tournament in Chennai, India, and in May of that same year, he made it to the final of the ATP tournament in Munich, Germany.
This would be the first all-Belgian men’s singles final, with Vliegen going up against Olivier Rochus. This was a significant moment in Belgian tennis history, as it showcased the strength of the nation’s tennis players on the global stage.
Vliegen’s success in Munich was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and the significance of his match against Rochus was not lost on him.
While the outcome of the final is unknown, Vliegen’s achievement in making it to the final was a tremendous accomplishment.
25. Els Callens
Els Callens was a professional female tennis player from Belgium who had a successful career spanning a decade. She began her career in January 1990 and quickly rose in the ranks to become a formidable opponent in the sport.
Her biggest achievement came in 2000 when she won the bronze medal in women’s doubles at the Summer Olympics in Sydney. She achieved this feat alongside her partner, Dominique Van Roost-Monami.
Callens and Van Roost-Monami were a formidable duo and their success at the Olympics was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Callens’ Olympic success was a crowning achievement in her already successful career, and she has since been an inspiration to female tennis players all over the world.
26. Jean-Michel Saive
Jean-Michel Saive is a Belgian former professional table tennis player who enjoyed considerable success throughout his career. He competed in seven consecutive Olympic Games between 1988 and 2012, making him one of the few athletes to ever accomplish such an impressive feat.
In addition to his Olympic appearances, Saive was also a winner in the singles category at the European Championships in 1994.
This impressive achievement further cemented his reputation as one of the greatest table tennis players in history. During his career, Saive won numerous titles, including seven Belgian Open titles, three European Championships in doubles, and two World Championships in doubles.
He also won the World Cup in 1999, and he was the World No. 1 for several years. Saive was a pioneer of the modern game, introducing new tactics and techniques that revolutionized table tennis.
His impressive career achievements, combined with his innovative playing style, make him one of the most respected and beloved players in the sport.
27. Johan Van Herck
Johan Van Herck is a highly accomplished tennis coach and former professional player. His career began to take off in 1996 when he reached the semi-finals of the Copenhagen Open and Campionati Internazionali di Sicilia, propelling him into the top 100 of the ATP rankings.
This feat was made even more impressive as he managed to upset the top-seeded player, Félix Mantilla Botella, in the second round of the latter tournament. This victory was a major milestone for Van Herck’s career, and it truly set him up for success in the years to come.
Since then, Van Herck has gone on to become a renowned tennis coach and mentor, helping countless players reach their full potential.
28. Greet Minnen
Greet Minnen is a professional tennis player from Belgium. Born in Turnhout, she had a successful career as a junior, culminating in reaching the girls’ doubles final of the 2015 Australian Open.
Unfortunately, she was not able to take the title, losing in two sets. Minnen has achieved great success at the professional level as well. She achieved her highest WTA singles ranking of 69 on October 18th 2021. Additionally, she reached the world No.
47 ranking in doubles on August 15th 2022. These rankings are both impressive accomplishments for Minnen and reflect her hard work and dedication to the sport of tennis.
29. Maryna Zanevska
Maryna Volodymyrivna Zanevska is a highly accomplished tennis player who hails from Ukraine and is currently competing for Belgium. She has achieved many impressive milestones in her career, including a career-high singles ranking of world No. 62 which she earned on 23 May 2022.
Additionally, she has reached the impressive feat of a WTA doubles ranking of No. 86, which she achieved on 16 June 2014. Maryna’s accomplishments in the sport of tennis are highly impressive and she has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the court.
She continues to strive for success and work hard to achieve her goals in the sport.
30. Marthe Dupont
Marthe Dupont-Trasenster was a Belgian tennis player who achieved remarkable success in her career. Born in Charleroi in 1884, she was one of the first professional female tennis players in history.
She was a tenacious competitor and was the first Belgian national women’s champion in 1908.
She went on to become the Belgian women’s doubles champion in 1910 and was part of the Belgian team that won the Women’s World Team Championship in 1911. Marthe was a pioneering figure in the sport and was among the first women to receive endorsements from major brands such as Dunlop and Slazenger.
She was a regular at the Wimbledon Championships and reached the quarterfinals of the singles event in 1918.
She also reached the semifinals of the Women’s Doubles Championships twice. Perhaps her greatest achievement was winning the doubles title at the 1923 French Championships with Suzanne Lenglen.
She also won a bronze medal at the 1924 Olympics in Paris. Marthe retired from professional tennis in 1926, but she remained active in the sport as a coach and mentor to the next generation of female players.
She died in her home in Charleroi in 1974, but her legacy lives on in the history of women’s tennis.
31. Marie Janssen
Marie Janssen was a talented Belgian tennis player who competed in the women’s singles event at the 1924 Summer Olympics. Born in Belgium, Janssen was a formidable player on the court and her success in the Olympics was a testament to her skill and determination.
She was an exceptional athlete, and her participation in the 1924 Olympics was a major milestone in her career. At the 1924 Summer Olympics, Janssen competed in the women’s singles event and made it to the quarterfinals before she was eliminated.
Her performance in the tournament was impressive, as she managed to defeat several formidable opponents in the early rounds.
Although she did not win a medal, she had already made her mark in the world of tennis by taking part in the prestigious Olympics. Marie Janssen’s involvement in the Olympics was an important step in her career as a professional tennis player.
She was one of the few women of her time to compete in the Olympics, thus demonstrating her strength and courage.
Her performance in the tournament was a testament to her skill and determination, and her achievements in the event helped to pave the way for other female athletes to take part in future Olympics.
32. Marc Bolle
Marc Bolle is a former professional tennis player from Belgium. He was born in Ghent and made his professional debut in 1969 at the Australian Open, where he was defeated in the first round by the sixth seed, Pancho Gonzales.
After his professional career, he turned to collegiate tennis and joined the University of Tennessee in the early 1970s. While at Tennessee, Bolle became a two-time All-American and set several school records.
During his collegiate career, he won two singles and three doubles titles. After graduating from Tennessee, Bolle went on to coach the school’s tennis team for several years, helping the team reach the NCAA tournament multiple times.
Bolle is now retired from tennis and lives in Ghent. He remains an active member of the Ghent tennis community and is a regular presence at local tennis tournaments.
33. Marie Jones
Marie Jones was a professional tennis player from Belgium. She made history by being the first female Belgian tennis player to compete in the Olympics. She competed in the women’s doubles event at the 1920 Summer Olympics held in Antwerp, Belgium.
Marie Jones was an exceptionally talented player and represented Belgium well. She was confident and determined to make her mark on the world stage. She was eager to show off her skills and make an impression on the international community.
Marie Jones was a trailblazer in many ways. She was one of the first female athletes to compete in the Olympics and was a source of inspiration for many young women who followed in her footsteps.
She was a symbol of courage and determination and showed that anything was possible. Her accomplishments in the sport will be remembered for many years to come.
34. Lucienne Tschaggeny
Lucienne Tschaggeny was an accomplished tennis player from Belgium. She represented her nation at the 1920 Summer Olympics, competing in the women’s doubles event.
Tschaggeny was one of only four women to compete in the doubles event, the others being Frenchwoman Suzanne Lenglen and the British pair of Ethel Larcombe and Dorothy Shepherd-Barron.
Despite her talent, Tschaggeny and her partner were unable to advance past the opening round, losing to the French duo of Lenglen and her partner in straight sets.
Although she did not win a medal at the Olympics, Tschaggeny’s presence at the tournament was a remarkable achievement for a woman from Belgium during this time period.
Her performance showcased the growing popularity of women’s tennis and helped to further the sport’s recognition and acceptance. Tschaggeny’s success was an inspiration to many female athletes and helped to pave the way for future generations of female tennis players.
35. Marguerite Laurenan
Marguerite Laurenan was a Belgian tennis player who made history when she competed in the women’s doubles event at the 1920 Summer Olympics. She was part of the first-ever Olympic event to feature female athletes, a groundbreaking moment in sporting history.
Laurenan was one of four female athletes from Belgium who participated in the event.
Her Olympic debut made her a trailblazer for gender equality in sports, paving the way for future female athletes. Prior to her Olympic debut, Laurenan had already earned a reputation for excellence on the court.
She was a highly-respected tennis player in Belgium, known for her skill and sportsmanship. She was one of the top-ranked players in her country and was often invited to participate in international competitions.
Her Olympic experience was the highlight of her career, and it was an honor for her to represent her home country in such a prestigious event. Although Laurenan did not win a medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics, her participation was a major step forward for female athletes.
Her legacy as an Olympic pioneer continues to inspire female athletes today, reminding them of the importance of gender equality in sports.
Laurenan will be remembered for her courage and determination, which paved the way for other female athletes to make their mark in the world of sports.
36. Soetkin Van Deun
Soetkin Van Deun is a former professional tennis player from Belgium. She was very successful in her career, reaching her highest WTA singles ranking of 528 on 28 July 2008.
This is a remarkable achievement, considering that she had to compete against some of the best players in the world. Her only WTA Tour main-draw appearance was at the Gaz de France Stars, where she partnered Jessie de Vries in the doubles event.
She was able to show her skills in this tournament, which was a great opportunity for her to prove her worth.
Even though she didn’t win the event, Soetkin Van Deun was able to show her potential and her ability to compete with some of the best players in the world. Soetkin Van Deun is an example of someone who was able to reach the highest level of professional tennis despite the odds.
Her success shows that anyone can achieve their goals if they put in the hard work and dedication. She is an inspiration to aspiring tennis players, showing that it is possible to reach the top if you believe in yourself and never give up.
37. Caroline Wuillot
Caroline Wuillot is a former professional tennis player from Belgium. She had a successful career, reaching her highest singles ranking of 219 on 5 April 1993 and her highest doubles ranking of 284 on 3 September 1990.
Her only appearance in a major WTA Tour tournament came at the 1992 Belgian Open. In that tournament, she defeated Ukrainian Elena Brioukhovets in the first round. Caroline Wuillot was a formidable player during her time on the court.
She was able to achieve rankings that placed her among the top players in the world, and her performance at the 1992 Belgian Open was evidence of her skill and ability. Her victory over Elena Brioukhovets was a testament to her talent and determination.
Today, Caroline Wuillot is remembered as one of the great Belgian tennis players of her era. She may no longer be competing on the court, but her legacy will continue to live on for years to come.
Her accomplishments in the sport are an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
38. Mary Marechal
Mary Marechal was an accomplished Belgian female tennis player, who had a successful career in the international arena. She represented Belgium in the Federation Cup in 1963 and also played in Wimbledon.
Mary’s success extended beyond the court, as she also participated in hockey, representing Belgium in the 1960 World Cup. She was married to Christopher Penn and had four children, who have since blessed her with 12 grandchildren.
Mary Marechal was an impressive woman who was able to excel in multiple fields of sport. She was a role model for female athletes and an inspiration to her family.
Mary’s legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren, who can look to her as an example of what hard work and determination can achieve.
39. Gilles Elseneer
Gilles Valere Jacque Elseneer is a retired professional tennis player from Belgium. He was a formidable presence in the world of tennis during his career and was particularly renowned for his impressive grass court game.
He was able to use his skill and experience to great effect on this surface and achieved some of his best results while playing on it. In 2001, Elseneer had a notable quarterfinal appearance at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, a prestigious tournament in the Netherlands.
This was a major accomplishment for Elseneer and showcased his impressive ability to win matches on grass courts. Overall, Elseneer was a talented tennis player with a gift for playing on grass courts, and his career included many memorable moments.
40. Bernard Boileau
Bernard Boileau is a former professional tennis player from Belgium. Boileau had a successful career in the sport, having competed in various tournaments around the world. He started playing tennis at a young age and developed a passion for the sport.
Boileau’s success on the court earned him recognition as one of the top players from Belgium. He won multiple tournaments, including the prestigious U.S. Open in 1986. Boileau also represented Belgium in the Davis Cup and was part of the team that won the event in 1988.
After his playing career, Boileau has remained involved in the sport, having served as a coach and mentor to younger generations of tennis players. He is highly respected in the tennis world and his legacy lives on within the sport.
41. Magali Kempen
Magali Kempen is a professional tennis player from Belgium. She is currently ranked 191 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings and 158 in the WTA doubles rankings. This makes her one of the top players in the world in both singles and doubles.
Kempen recently added to her impressive career with a win in the 2022 Engie Open Nantes Atlantique doubles draw. She and her partner Wu Fang-hsien defeated the competition to take home the title, making it her first major ITF Circuit title.
Kempen has established herself as a top competitor in the tennis world. Her high rankings in both singles and doubles speak to her skill and dedication to the sport. She is sure to be a force to be reckoned with on the court for years to come.
42. Ysaline Bonaventure
Ysaline Bonaventure is a professional tennis player who hails from Belgium. She has achieved a great deal of success in her career, having won two doubles titles on the WTA Tour, as well as 12 singles and 14 doubles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit.
Her highest ranking thus far was on 6 March 2023, when she was ranked world No. 84. Bonaventure is a hard-working and dedicated athlete who has consistently been able to bring the best out of herself.
She has displayed an impressive level of tenacity and skill on the court, and her accomplishments are a testament to her commitment and determination. She has managed to put together an impressive resume and is certainly one of the most talented players in the world.
Overall, Ysaline Bonaventure is a great example of what hard work and dedication can do. She has been able to consistently perform at a high level and has been able to win titles on both the WTA Tour and the ITF Women’s Circuit. Her highest ranking of world No.
84 is a testament to her talent and determination, and she is sure to continue to be a force in the world of professional tennis.
Conclusion
Belgium has a rich history of producing some of the best tennis players in the world. From Kim Clijsters to Justine Henin, the country has boasted a long list of successful players who have achieved success at both the amateur and professional levels.
With the current generation of young players continuing to make their mark on the sport, Belgium looks set to remain a powerhouse of tennis for years to come.
