Michaëlla Krajicek, the Dutch tennis player, is preparing for her official farewell to professional tennis in 2025, marking the end of a career that began in Rosmalen in 2003. Krajicek reflects on her career, family, and passions outside of tennis as she prepares for her farewell.

Krajicek distinguishes between her formal name, Michaëlla, and her nickname, Misa, explaining that the latter is a Czech abbreviation and easier for some to pronounce. She notes a preference for Michaëlla’s elegance but uses Misa for convenience.

Wimbledon holds a special place in her heart, not only for her quarter-final appearance, her best Grand Slam singles performance, but also because of her half-brother Richard’s victory there. She recalls watching his win as a child and understanding the sacrifices required for top-level sport.

She expresses mixed feelings about her career trajectory, wishing her successes had been more evenly distributed rather than concentrated at the beginning. After taking a break following the birth of her two sons, Valentijn and Romeo, Krajicek attempted a comeback but realized the demands of professional tennis were incompatible with her desire to be a present mother.

Krajicek believes that adversity, including six knee operations, made her stronger both in tennis and in life. She emphasizes the importance of the journey and self-discovery that tennis provided.

Beyond tennis, Krajicek has a passion for art, inherited from her father, a geologist with artistic talent. She enjoys drawing and painting and regrets that creative subjects were often sacrificed for tennis during her schooling.

Despite a sometimes difficult relationship, Krajicek values her father’s presence on the sidelines, recognizing his strict approach as a way of making her strong. She defends him against accusations of child abuse, explaining that his behavior stemmed from a different upbringing and a desire to instill commitment.

Krajicek finds peace and inspiration in painting, often retreating to her parents’ home in the Czech Republic to create. While she has auctioned or gifted most of her paintings, she appreciates the ability to contribute to charitable causes through her art.

Krajicek downplays any pressure from her brother Richard’s success, but recounts a surreal experience where she gave tennis lessons to Gavin Rossdale at Gwen Stefani’s Beverly Hills home, highlighting the unexpected opportunities that tennis has provided.

Michaëlla Krajicek was born in Delft in 1989. She achieved a career-high ranking of 30th in the world in 2008. She now lives with her partner, tennis player Jelle Sels, and their two sons.