Natalia Malcevic is a Serbian tennis player whose determination and hard work have allowed her to carve a place in the world of professional tennis. Born on February 27, 1993, in Belgrade, Serbia, Malcevic has become a respected figure in women’s tennis, known for her powerful baseline game, mental toughness, and solid doubles performances. Throughout her career, she has represented her home country with pride and achieved significant milestones on both the WTA and ITF circuits.
As a versatile player, Malcevic has seen impressive success, including a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 170 and a doubles ranking of No. 84. She has claimed a singles title at the Potchefstroom $25k in 2016 and two WTA doubles titles—at the Turkey Open in 2021 and the Slovenian Open in 2022—making her one of Serbia’s most promising tennis players.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Natalia Malcevic |
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Belgrade, Serbia |
| Nationality | Serbian |
| Playing Style | Right-handed, single-handed backhand |
| Career-High Singles Ranking | No. 170 (May 2015) |
| Career-High Doubles Ranking | No. 84 (July 2019) |
| Singles Titles | 1 ITF Title (Potchefstroom $25k in 2016) |
| Doubles Titles | 2 WTA Titles (2021 Turkey Open, 2022 Slovenian Open) |
| Coaching Team | Coach: Dejan Vranes; Training at Napang Tennis Academy, Belgrade |
| Preferred Surface | Grass Courts |
| Key Strengths | Powerful baseline game, strong backhand, precise serve, agility |
| Endorsements | Adidas, Babolat, Betsson, Jura |
| Equipment | Racquet: Babolat AeroPro Drive GT; Apparel: Adidas |
| Languages Spoken | Serbian, English (fluent), Russian (basic understanding) |
| Tennis Idol | Serena Williams |
| Career Milestones | Qualified for 2015 Australian Open main draw; consistent Top 200 ranking |
| Personal Interests | Traveling, trying new cuisines, watching films |
| Future Goals | Represent Serbia at the Olympics, achieve Grand Slam success, enter the Top 100 |
| Notable Traits | Resilience, mental toughness, and dedication to her craft |
Early Life and Tennis Beginnings
Born into a supportive family in Belgrade, Serbia, Natalia’s journey into tennis started at the age of six. Raised in a country rich in tennis talent, it was almost inevitable that Malcevic would take an interest in the sport. She began training seriously as a young girl, quickly developing a passion for the game. Her early exposure to tennis laid the foundation for a promising career, and by the age of 17, she transitioned from the junior circuit to professional tennis.
Malcevic’s early junior career was marked by impressive performances. She won her first junior title in 2010 at the ITF Grade 3 tournament in Morocco. Over the years, she climbed the junior rankings, achieving a career-high World No. 50 in singles and No. 45 in doubles. These early successes gave her the confidence to pursue a professional career and paved the way for her transition to the WTA Tour.
Turning Professional: The Road to the WTA
Natalia Malcevic made her professional debut in 2010, marking the beginning of a journey that would see her become a mainstay on the WTA circuit. In her first year, she gained valuable experience and recognition by competing in various ITF tournaments. By 2011, Malcevic won her first singles title at the $25k event in Potchefstroom, South Africa, a significant achievement that propelled her into the spotlight.
In the following years, she began to make her mark on the WTA Tour. Notable moments included her qualification for the 2015 Australian Open main draw, where she faced off against some of the world’s best players. Although she was eliminated in the first round, her ability to compete at such a prestigious event highlighted her growing potential.
Career Highlights and Rankings
One of the major milestones in Malcevic’s career came in 2016 when she clinched her first singles title at the ITF Potchefstroom $25k tournament. This victory was a testament to her hard work and perseverance. Since then, Malcevic has continued to steadily rise through the ranks, reaching a career-high singles ranking of No. 170 in May 2015.
While singles have been a focus of her career, Malcevic has truly excelled in doubles as well. Her doubles prowess has earned her two WTA doubles titles, first at the 2021 Turkey Open with Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko, and again in 2022 at the Slovenian Open with Bulgarian Viktoriya Tomova. These accomplishments propelled her into the Top 100 doubles rankings, where she peaked at No. 84 in July 2019.
Her consistent presence in the Top 200 WTA singles rankings for over seven years demonstrates her resilience and ability to maintain high-level performance on the tennis tour.
Playing Style and Techniques
Malcevic’s playing style is primarily based on her powerful baseline game. Known for her ability to generate pace on both sides, she excels in long rallies, using her forehand and single-handed backhand to dictate play. Her backhand, in particular, is regarded as one of her strongest shots, offering both power and precision.
Her serve is another critical asset in her arsenal, allowing her to set up points and control the tempo of matches. Despite being primarily a baseline player, she has developed a solid net game, which makes her effective in doubles as well. Her agility and speed allow her to cover the court efficiently, whether playing on hard courts or grass. Grass courts, in particular, suit her style, allowing her to take advantage of her precise serve and quick movements.
Training and Fitness: How Natalia Prepares for the Tour
Malcevic’s success on the tennis court is not just about her natural talent, but also her rigorous training regimen. She trains under the guidance of coach Dejan Vranes at the Napang Tennis Academy in Belgrade. There, she works on building explosive power, endurance, and agility—key attributes that help her perform consistently at the highest levels.
Her training schedule includes 4-5 hours of practice on the court each day, focused on refining her technique, returns, volleys, and footwork. Additionally, she incorporates gym workouts into her routine to build strength and stamina. Off the court, Malcevic places great emphasis on recovery. She utilizes massage therapy, swimming, and yoga to ensure her body remains in peak condition and ready for competition.
Tennis Equipment and Endorsements
As a top professional player, Malcevic uses only the best tennis equipment. She is sponsored by Adidas, wearing their cutting-edge apparel and footwear on the court. Her racquet of choice is the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT, which helps her generate the speed and precision required for her baseline-heavy game. Her endorsement deal with Babolat reflects her commitment to using high-quality gear that complements her playing style.
In addition to Adidas and Babolat, Malcevic has other valuable sponsorships, including partnerships with Betsson, an online betting company, and Jura, a coffee machine brand. These partnerships help support her career both financially and professionally, allowing her to focus on achieving her tennis goals.
Personal Life and Inspirations
Off the court, Natalia Malcevic is a down-to-earth individual who enjoys spending time with family and friends. Raised in a supportive family environment, she is fluent in Serbian and English and can also understand Russian. Outside of tennis, she has a love for travel, trying new cuisines, and watching films.
One of her greatest inspirations is tennis legend Serena Williams. Malcevic admires Williams’ mental toughness, determination, and ability to perform at the highest level for so many years. These qualities are something Malcevic strives to emulate in her own career, as she looks to make a name for herself on the WTA Tour and achieve her own Grand Slam dreams.
Future Goals: What’s Next for Natalia Malcevic?
Looking ahead, Natalia Malcevic has big aspirations for her tennis career. One of her main goals is to represent Serbia at the Olympics, showcasing her skills on the world stage. Her dreams of competing in Grand Slam tournaments are also a driving force in her career.
In the coming years, Malcevic plans to continue climbing the WTA rankings, targeting a spot in the Top 100 singles rankings and further improving her doubles play. Her commitment to hard work, combined with her growing experience, suggests that she will only continue to improve and achieve more success in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Natalia Malcevic’s journey in tennis has been one of persistence, growth, and determination. From her early days in Belgrade to her impressive achievements on the WTA Tour, she has proven to be a resilient and promising player in the world of women’s tennis. Her career milestones, including her singles and doubles titles, reflect her dedication and passion for the sport.
With a strong support system, including her coach Dejan Vranes and endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Babolat, Malcevic is well-positioned to achieve her Grand Slam dreams and represent Serbia on the global stage. As her career continues to progress, it is clear that Natalia Malcevic is a name to watch in the future of women’s tennis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Natalia Malcevic’s highest singles ranking?
Natalia Malcevic’s highest singles ranking is No. 170, which she achieved in May 2015.
Has Natalia Malcevic ever competed in a Grand Slam?
Yes, Natalia Malcevic competed in the 2015 Australian Open, where she qualified for the main draw but was eliminated in the first round.
Which doubles titles has Natalia Malcevic won?
Malcevic has won two WTA doubles titles, at the 2021 Turkey Open (with Lesia Tsurenko) and the 2022 Slovenian Open (with Viktoriya Tomova).
Who is Natalia Malcevic’s tennis idol?
Malcevic’s idol is Serena Williams, whom she admires for her mental toughness and ability to dominate at the highest level for many years.
What is Natalia Malcevic’s preferred surface?
While she is comfortable on hard courts, Malcevic excels on grass courts due to her powerful baseline game and quick movement.
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