Elise Mertens Bio

� Currently coached by Alexander Kneepkens. Formerly worked with Robbie Ceyssens, Dieter Kindlmann, Daniel Goffin and Philippe Dehaes
• Previously trained under Belgian Federation until early teens, also spent a year at the Mouratoglou Academy in Paris
• Mother is Liliane Barbe (teaches languages and history); father is Guido Mertens (makes furniture for churches). Began playing tennis at age 4, introduced to game by older sister Lauren, an airline pilot with KLM
• First tennis memory is watching Kim Clijsters playing live
• Was home schooled, enjoyed studying languages; speaks English, Dutch/Flemish and French
• Loves animals and has lots of pets at home
• In 2021, launched a charitable initiative to support the Virunga National Park's efforts to save the gorilla
• population in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During 2021 season she will be wearing a Virunga Ranger necklace and sporting a badge on her bag to help raise awareness
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Biographical information from WTA. Information might not be up to date.