Ajla Tomljanović

Ajla Tomljanović is a Croatian-Australian professional tennis player known for her powerful groundstrokes and fearless approach on the biggest stages. She reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 32 in April 2023 and has claimed two WTA 125 titles. Her defining moment came at the 2022 US Open, where she defeated Serena Williams in what would be Williams's final professional match.

Off the court, Tomljanović is recognized for her candid interviews, fashion sense, and advocacy for women in sports. She has a strong social media presence, connecting with fans through her Instagram and other platforms. As of 2026, she is focused on recovering from injuries and aiming for a strong return in 2027. [edit]

Ajla Tomljanović was born on May 7, 1993, in Zagreb, Croatia. She picked up a tennis racket at age seven, showing early promise in the sport. Her junior career was impressive, highlighted by winning the 2009 Australian Open girls' doubles title with Christina McHale. She reached a combined junior ranking of world No. 4 in March 2009.

Tomljanović turned professional in 2009 and initially competed under the Croatian flag. In 2014, she obtained permanent residency in Australia and began representing her new home at the US Open that year. However, due to residency rules, she had to play for Croatia at all non-Grand Slam events until she became an Australian citizen in January 2018. [edit]

Tomljanović's breakthrough came in 2022 when she reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and then defeated Serena Williams in the third round of the US Open, ending Williams's career. That run helped her break into the top 40. In April 2023, she reached her career-high singles ranking of world No. 32.

She has won four ITF singles titles and three ITF doubles titles. In November 2023, she captured her first WTA 125 title in Florianópolis, and added a second in Hong Kong in October 2024. She reached the final at the 2024 Birmingham Classic and was a semifinalist at the 2025 ATX Open. In February 2026, she defeated Venus Williams in straight sets in Austin.

Injuries have plagued her 2026 season, leading her to withdraw from the US Open and end her year early, stating she wants to be fully ready for 2027. [edit]

Tomljanović is seen as a resilient and outspoken athlete, known for her candid interviews and willingness to address tough topics. Her fashion sense has made her a style icon on the tour, and she often mixes sporty and chic looks. Fans appreciate her authenticity, whether she's celebrating a big win or discussing the challenges of injury.

She has a dedicated following, especially in Australia, where she is a fan favorite at the Australian Open. Her social media presence reflects her personality: a mix of tennis, art, fashion, and advocacy for women's issues. [edit]

Ajla Tomljanović stands as a resilient figure in the tennis world, celebrated for her historic 2022 US Open victory over Serena Williams and her continued presence on the tour. Despite her significant achievements, including a career-high ranking of No. 93 and a strong following in Australia, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). This status reflects a fanbase that is deeply engaged yet organic rather than institutionalized. Unlike players with massive, organized global followings such as those with specific fan clubs like "The Federer Fan Club" or "Djokovic Army," Tomljanović's supporters are scattered across social media platforms and tournament crowds without a formal collective name. Fans appreciate her authenticity, often connecting through her candid updates on injury recoveries and fashion choices. A notable instance of her approachable nature occurred during a rain delay at the Miami Open, where she was observed making friends with fellow players and spectators in a candid, social manner. Her cultural mythology is defined by the moment she became the last woman to defeat Serena Williams, though recent events have shifted this narrative as Venus Williams returned to the tour. Another layer of her lore involves breaking mental barriers against specific rivals, such as defeating Coco Gauff's doubles partner McNally and Dayana Yastremska for the first time in their head-to-head histories. While there are no stories of crowds shutting down streets or fans fainting, her status as a Croatian-Australian player who continues to compete despite physical setbacks forms the core of her enduring appeal.[edit]

Tomljanović is known for her love of fashion and art, often sharing her interests on social media. She describes herself as a fan of "badass women" and uses her platform to advocate for women in sports. She has a tattoo on her wrist that reads "breathe," a reminder to stay calm on court. In June 2026, she publicly criticized anti-doping authorities following the lengthy ban given to Marketa Vondrousova. She also competed at the Paris Olympics in 2024. A widely retold story in tennis circles marks her 2022 US Open win as the defining moment where she became the last woman to defeat Serena Williams before the legend retired. Although this title became fluid after Venus Williams returned and defeated Tomljanović in the 2026 ATX Open, the 2022 victory remains the primary verified event associated with her legacy. Folklore also surrounds her relationship with Maria Sakkari; in a 2026 interview, Sakkari admitted she initially disliked Tomljanović because she "seemed so arrogant," a comment that circulated as an anecdote about perceived tension before the two eventually reconciled. Additionally, Tomljanović achieved back-to-back breakthroughs at the Libéma Open in mid-2026, defeating opponents she had never previously beaten, showcasing her persistence against specific rivals.[edit]

Ajla Tomljanović was born to Bosnian parents who moved to Croatia before her birth. She has a sister named Hana, who has been a supportive presence throughout her career. Her family relocated to Florida when she was a teenager to support her tennis development.

Tomljanović is close to her family and often credits them for her work ethic. She is not married and has no children. She splits her time between training bases in the United States and Australia. [edit]

Tomljanović has been associated with several notable tennis figures. Her junior doubles partner Christina McHale helped her win the 2009 Australian Open girls' title. She has partnered with fellow Australian Daria Saville in doubles at the Australian Open. Her most public relationship was with Italian tennis player Matteo Berrettini, which ended in December 2022. [edit]

Tomljanović has kept her personal life largely private, but her relationship with fellow tennis player Matteo Berrettini was well-documented. The pair began dating in 2019 and were together for about three years. Their split was announced in December 2022, with both players citing the challenges of maintaining a relationship on tour.

Since then, she has not been publicly linked to anyone else. As of 2026, she appears to be single and focused on her career and recovery from injury. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Ajla Tomljanović's net worth is estimated at $5 Million as of 2026. Her income primarily comes from prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships. Over her career, she has earned over $4 million in prize money alone, with her best season being 2022 when she reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals and the US Open third round. She has endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Yonex, which contribute significantly to her earnings. Her net worth has grown steadily, reflecting her consistent presence in the top 50 and her ability to reach the later stages of major tournaments.[edit]

Tomljanović has won two WTA 125 titles and several ITF titles. She has not won a WTA Tour-level title but has been a finalist at events like Birmingham and Hua Hin. Her biggest achievement remains her victory over Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open. [edit]