Elena Rybakina vs Elise Mertens: Comprehensive Tennis Comparison (2026)

Tennis fans around the world are captivated by elite rivalries and standout performers — especially on the WTA Tour. Among these, Elena Rybakina and Elise Mertens are two of the sport’s brightest stars, known for their unique playing styles, career accomplishments, and contrasting journeys in professional tennis. In this detailed article, we dive deep into both players’ backgrounds, career stats, net worth, coaching support, physical profiles, and head-to-head history — offering a complete comparison for enthusiasts and analysts alike.

1. Player Profiles & Background

Elena Rybakina: The Powerhouse from Kazakhstan

Full Name: Elena Andreyevna Rybakina
Birthdate: June 17, 1999
Nationality: Kazakhstani
Turned Professional: 2014
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Height & Weight: ~1.84 m (6’0″), ~72 kg

Born in Moscow, Russia, Rybakina chose to represent Kazakhstan in international tennis where she quickly made a name for herself with big serves and aggressive baseline play. Over recent years, she has cemented herself as one of the WTA’s elite, with consistent performances in Grand Slams and top-level events.

Career Highlights:

• Winner of Wimbledon 2022 — her first Grand Slam singles title.

• 11 singles titles including WTA Finals and WTA 1000 level trophies.

• Career-high ranking: No. 3 in the world.

Rybakina’s style blends power and precision, especially on hard courts where her serve and groundstrokes dominate rallies.

Elise Mertens: Belgium’s Versatile Competitor

Full Name: Elise Mertens
Birthdate: November 17, 1995
Nationality: Belgian
Turned Professional: 2013
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Height & Weight: ~1.79 m (5’10″), ~67 kg

Mertens has been one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour for a decade. With strong doubles success complementing her singles achievements, she’s established herself as a force in both disciplines.

Career Highlights:

• Reached World No. 1 in doubles in May 2021.

• 10 WTA singles titles and 23 doubles titles.

• Known for endurance, versatility, and tactical intelligence on all surfaces.

In singles, Mertens’ game thrives on consistency, slide management and strategic play — making her a tough competitor against big hitters.

2. Head-To-Head Rivalry: Rybakina vs Mertens

When Rybakina and Mertens meet on court, it’s a clash of contrasting games — the raw power of Rybakina versus the tactical consistency of Mertens.

Career Head-to-Head Record

According to official match data:
Rybakina leads the H2H record 6–1.

This includes wins at both Grand Slam events and major WTA tour tournaments such as the Cincinnati Open.

Summary:

• Most matches won: Elena Rybakina dominates with ~85% win rate in their meetings.

• Match outcomes: Rybakina’s aggressive baseline game has troubled Mertens more often than not.

Although Mertens has secured a rare upset, Rybakina generally controls rallies with her serve placement and power.

3. Net Worth Comparison: Rybakina vs Mertens

Elena Rybakina Net Worth

Estimates vary by source, but multiple verified reports suggest Rybakina’s net worth is around $7.9–$9.5 million as of 2025. Her earnings stem from prize money, endorsements, and sponsorship deals with major brands such as Yonex and Red Bull.

Sources of Income:

• Over $15+ million in prize money earned over her career.

• Long-term endorsement deals, including with Yonex and Red Bull.

Elise Mertens Net Worth

Mertens’ net worth is estimated at around $10 million as of 2025, with significant contributions from both prize money and endorsements.

Career Earnings:

• Over $15 million+ in prize money throughout her professional career.

• Endorsements with brands like Lotto and racquet partnerships over time.

Conclusion:
While both players earn significantly through tennis success, Mertens edges slightly ahead in estimated net worth — though Rybakina’s major titles continue to boost her profile.

4. Coaches & Mentors: Who Guides Them?

Elena Rybakina’s Coaching Team

Rybakina’s development has included working with several notable coaches over her career. Most recently, she has partnered with Stefano Vukov, who has helped refine her serve and match strategy.

Earlier in her journey, she trained with experienced professionals including Andrey Chesnokov and Evgenia Kulikovskaya in Russia’s competitive academy circuit.

Elise Mertens’ Coaching Team

Mertens has worked with several coaches throughout her career. She is reported to work most recently with Christopher Heyman, a Belgian coach and former pro who also serves as her partner.

Past notable collaborators include Simon Goffin and former coaches like Robbe Ceyssens at earlier stages of her development.

 Coaching has played a vital role in shaping both players’ tactical growth — from Rybakina’s power game to Mertens’ doubles-informed court awareness.

5. Physical Stats & Playing Styles

Height & Weight

While Rybakina’s taller stature gives her a slight serve advantage, Mertens’ compact agility allows strong movement and court coverage.

6. Career Highlights & Achievements

Elena Rybakina:

• Grand Slam Champion – Wimbledon 2022.

• WTA Finals Winner, adding depth to her major victories.

• Multiple WTA 1000 and tour titles.

Elise Mertens:

• World No. 1 in doubles – a rare achievement among modern players.

• 5 Grand Slam doubles titles shared with partners across years.

• 10 WTA singles titles — highlighting consistency across surfaces.

7. FAQs: Elena Rybakina vs Elise Mertens

Q1: Who has the better head-to-head record between Elena Rybakina and Elise Mertens?
A: Rybakina leads the head-to-head series, holding a dominant advantage with a 6-1 record.

Q2: What is Elena Rybakina’s estimated net worth?
A: Rybakina’s net worth is estimated around $7.9–$9.5 million as of 2025.

Q3: What is Elise Mertens’ net worth?
A: Mertens’ net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2025.

Q4: Who coaches Elena Rybakina?
A: Rybakina’s current coach is Stefano Vukov, with earlier guidance from multiple experienced former pros.

Q5: Has Elise Mertens achieved a World No. 1 ranking?
A: Yes, Mertens reached World No. 1 in doubles in May 2021.

Q6: What major tournament has Rybakina won?
A: Rybakina won Wimbledon 2022, her signature Grand Slam title.

Conclusion: A Rivalry of Styles, Success & Substance

When comparing Elena Rybakina and Elise Mertens, we see two distinct but equally admirable tennis professionals — one famed for raw power and Grand Slam success, and the other celebrated for versatility and strategic excellence across singles and doubles.

Their careers offer compelling narratives for fans: Rybakina’s rise to Grand Slam glory and power dominance, and Mertens’ consistency and doubles mastery. Head-to-head comparisons show Rybakina in the lead, yet both players have etched their names among modern tennis elites with achievements that resonate across the sport.