Steve Darcis

Steve Darcis is a Belgian coach and former professional tennis player. In his career, he won two ATP singles titles and achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 38 in May 2017.

After retiring in 2020, Darcis transitioned to coaching, working with Belgian talents including Raphael Collignon and Gauthier Onclin.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Steve Darcis was born on March 13, 1984, in Liège, Belgium, to Marie Agnes, a sports instructor, and Alain Darcis, a tennis coach. He has a sister named Céline. Growing up, he admired Pete Sampras. Darcis lives in Saive, Belgium.

On 29 May 2013, his daughter Camille was born to his partner Lauranne. He is affectionately nicknamed “The Shark.”

Juniors

As a junior, Darcis reached as high as No. 8 in the ITF junior singles rankings and No. 15 in doubles, compiling a 73–32 record overall.

In 2002, he made the semifinals at the Wimbledon boys’ singles event, establishing himself as one of Belgium’s brightest junior prospects.

Career

Darcis turned professional in 2003 and quickly rose through the ranks, securing his first ATP singles title at the Dutch Open in Amersfoort in 2007 and a second at the U.S. National Indoor Championships in Memphis in 2008.

He achieved his best Grand Slam singles results by reaching the third round at the Australian Open in 2017 and at the French Open in 2011. Notably, at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, Darcis defeated fifth-seeded Rafael Nadal in the first round, becoming the first player ever to beat Nadal in the opening round of a Grand Slam.

Darcis was a vital contributor to the Belgian Davis Cup team, helping them reach the finals in both 2015 and 2017. He represented Belgium at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, advancing to the third round.

Over the years, he struggled with injuries that affected his playing schedule, especially near the end of his career. Following his retirement in 2020, Darcis became a coach, working with young Belgian players.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 118–134
• Career titles: 2
• Highest ranking: No. 38 (22 May 2017)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – Third Round (2017)
• French Open – Third Round (2011)
• Wimbledon Championships – Second Round (2009, 2013, 2017, 2019)
• US Open – Second Round (2008, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016)

Other tournaments

• Olympic Games – Third Round (2012)
• Davis Cup – Finalist with Belgium (2015, 2017)

Doubles

• Career record: 24–45
• Career titles: 0
• Highest ranking: No. 126 (5 January 2009)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – Second Round (2010)
• French Open – Quarterfinals (2008)
• Wimbledon Championships – Third Round (2012)
• US Open – Third Round (2017)

Other tournaments

• Davis Cup – Regular doubles contributor for Belgium