Laura Siegemund has emerged as one of the most captivating stories of the 2025 tennis season. The German tennis professional has defied age expectations to reach her first-ever Wimbledon quarterfinals. Her remarkable journey showcases the power of perseverance in professional sports.
Record-Breaking Wimbledon Run
Laura Siegemund created history by becoming the oldest first-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist in the Open Era at 37 years and 131 days. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by her compatriot Tatjana Maria, who reached the quarterfinals at 34 years and 324 days in 2022. The German player has won four consecutive matches without dropping a set, showcasing her exceptional grass-court form.
Her journey to the quarterfinals included impressive victories over several notable opponents. Laura Siegemund defeated Peyton Stearns 6-4, 6-2, followed by a commanding win against Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 6-3. The most significant breakthrough came with her straight-sets victory over Australian Open champion Madison Keys, ranked No. 6, with a score of 6-3, 6-3. She completed her remarkable run by defeating lucky loser Solana Sierra 6-3, 6-2 in the fourth round.
Career Achievements and Background
Laura Siegemund’s professional career began in 2006, and she has established herself as a formidable force in both singles and doubles tennis. Her career-high singles ranking of World No. 27 was achieved in August 2016. She has won two WTA singles titles, including the 2016 Swedish Open and the 2017 Stuttgart Open.
In doubles competition, Laura Siegemund has been exceptionally successful, reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 4 in January 2024. She has won 16 WTA doubles titles, including three Grand Slam championships. Her Grand Slam victories include the 2020 US Open women’s doubles title with Vera Zvonareva and mixed doubles titles at the 2016 US Open with Mate Pavić and the 2024 French Open with Édouard Roger-Vasselin.
Educational Background and Early Life
Born on March 4, 1988, in Filderstadt, West Germany, Laura Siegemund was introduced to tennis at age three by her family. Her upbringing was internationally diverse, living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from ages four to seven, and in Jakarta, Indonesia, from nine to ten. This global exposure contributed to her adaptability and multilingual abilities, as she speaks German, English, and French fluently.
Laura Siegemund completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Hagen in 2016. However, she maintains that her academic background has limited practical application in high-pressure tennis situations. She stated during her Wimbledon press conference that a psychology degree “is worth absolutely nothing” in crucial moments on court.
Unique Playing Style and Controversies
Laura Siegemund’s playing style is characterized by variety, tactical intelligence, and an unconventional approach that often frustrates opponents. She incorporates drop shots, slices, and tempo changes that disrupt her opponents’ rhythm. Her game includes strong net play, defensive skills, and the ability to transition from defense to offense effectively.
The German player has been involved in several controversies throughout her career, primarily related to her pace of play. Laura Siegemund has received multiple time violations for slow play, most notably during her 2023 US Open match against Coco Gauff. The incident led to crowd disapproval and a point penalty, with Gauff describing the match as “slow”.
Similar controversies occurred during the 2020 French Open when Laura Siegemund received a time violation during her quarterfinal match against Petra Kvitova. She has acknowledged her naturally slower pace but maintains that her behavior is consistent and not intended to deliberately annoy opponents.
Personal Life and Coaching Partnership
Laura Siegemund’s personal and professional life centers around her relationship with Antonio Zucca, who serves as both her coach and boyfriend. Zucca, a former Italian professional tennis player, joined her coaching team in 2018. He achieved a career-high ranking of No. 1066 before retiring in 2017.
The couple made their relationship public in 2019, and their partnership has been instrumental in Laura Siegemund’s recent success. After her upset victory over Zheng Qinwen at the 2025 Australian Open, she dedicated the win to Zucca, stating, “He’s always by my side, which I really appreciate very much”.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Laura Siegemund has earned approximately $6.9 million in career prize money as of 2025. Her estimated net worth is between $4-5.3 million, accumulated through tournament winnings and endorsement deals. She has sponsorship agreements with Fila for apparel and shoes, and Yonex for racquets.
During the 2025 season, Laura Siegemund has earned $668,901 in prize money, with her Wimbledon run significantly contributing to her annual earnings. Her consistent performance at age 37 demonstrates her continued earning power in professional tennis.
Current Form and Future Prospects
Laura Siegemund’s current ranking of No. 104 in singles reflects her recent resurgence in the format. Her Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance guarantees her return to the top 60 rankings. At 37, she has demonstrated remarkable longevity in professional tennis, competing against players nearly two decades younger.
Her preparation for the 2025 grass-court season included additional tournaments in Nottingham and Bad Homburg, which helped her develop confidence on the surface. Laura Siegemund acknowledged that her improved grass-court preparation was crucial to her Wimbledon success.
The Sabalenka Challenge
Laura Siegemund’s quarterfinal opponent, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, presents a significant challenge. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head record 2-0, with both previous victories coming in straight sets. The Belarusian player has stated she will not allow Siegemund’s tactics to “annoy” her.
The match represents Laura Siegemund’s biggest opportunity to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal in singles. Her “nothing to lose” mentality and tactical variety could pose problems for Sabalenka’s power-based game.
Legacy and Inspiration
Laura Siegemund’s story represents the triumph of perseverance over adversity in professional sports. Her journey from early career struggles to Grand Slam champion in doubles and now historic Wimbledon quarterfinalist demonstrates the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability.
At 37, Laura Siegemund has become an inspiration for older athletes, proving that age need not be a barrier to achievement in professional tennis. Her unconventional path, including academic pursuits and career interruptions, showcases alternative routes to success in elite sports.
Her current Wimbledon run has captured global attention, with tennis fans and media celebrating her remarkable achievement. Laura Siegemund’s story continues to unfold, with each match potentially adding new chapters to her already impressive career narrative.
Read More: Tommy Paul Wimbledon: 13th Seed Advances Second Round
