Yanina Wickmayer

Personal life

Wickmayer was born on October 20, 1989 to Marc Wickmayer and Daniella Dannevoye. She was introduced to tennis at the age of 9 by friends at local courts. Her mother died at an early age. Wickmayer is named after Diego Maradona's youngest daughter Giannina. The surname 'Wickmayer' traces back to Austria through her father Marc. Wickmayer who fluently speaks Dutch, English and French, most admires former Belgian Tennis Player Kim Clijsters. In 2017, she announced that Clijsters would be working with her during the 2017 Wimbledon Championships. On July 16, 2017, Wickmayer married long-time boyfriend and former professional football player Jérôme van der Zijl.

2006

Wickmayer obtained her first successes: three singles ITF titles and two ITF doubles.

2007

She continued her success on the ITF circuit by winning several tournaments in Asia during the fall season (see external links). It was around this time that Wickmayer surpassed Caroline Maes as the no. 2 Belgian female tennis player. At the start of the year, she was no. 534 in the world, but by November 2007, was around no. 170. Wickmayer had won eight singles titles and seven doubles titles on the ITF circuit. She was also selected by team captain Sabine Appelmans to represent the Belgium Fed Cup team at the 2007 Fed Cup. She lost to Venus Williams, 1–6, 2–6, in her World Group match, before winning one rubber and losing the other against Chinese opposition.

2008: 1st WTA final

In the 2008 Fed Cup tie versus Ukraine, Wickmayer sprang a surprise victory over reigning Australian Open women's doubles champion Kateryna Bondarenko. Wickmayer qualified in singles for the French Open, but lost 2–6, 5–7 in the first round to Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan. She reached the final of the DFS Classic, but lost, 6–7, 6–3, 6–7, to Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine.

At Wimbledon, Wickmayer lost in the first round to Japan's Ai Sugiyama, 4–6, 2–6.

2009: US Open semifinal

Wickmayer started the year with first-round losses in both Brisbane and the Australian Open. She won her first tour match of the year at Indian Wells, defeating Magdaléna Rybáriková, 6–3, 6–2. She lost to Daniela Hantuchová in the second round, despite holding two match points. She then lost her first-round matches in Miami and Charleston.

Wickmayer won her first WTA Tour singles title in Estoril. She beat third seed Sorana Cîrstea, 6–4, 1–6, 6–4, en route to the final, where she defeated Ekaterina Makarova, 7–5, 6–2. At the 2009 French Open, she was beaten by Samantha Stosur in the second round, 6–3, 4–6, 6–4.

Wickmayer lost to a newly returned Maria Sharapova in the quarterfinals at the 2009 Aegon Classic in Birmingham, 1–6, 6–2, 3–6. At the 2009 Ordina Open, Wickmayer reached both the singles final and the doubles final, losing to Tamarine Tanasugarn in the singles final. The doubles final was a close contest, in which she lost in three sets to an Italian pairing. At Wimbledon, she lost in the first round to Elena Vesnina.

During the summer hard-court season, Wickmayer reached the third round in Los Angeles, losing to Vera Zvonareva. She was defeated in the early rounds of her three other summer tournaments. At the 2009 US Open, she lost in the semifinals to Caroline Wozniacki, 3–6, 3–6.

Wickmayer fell in the first round in Beijing to Alisa Kleybanova. She qualified for the year-end championships in Bali. Her next tournament was in Linz. She won through to the semifinals, where she upset top seed Flavia Pennetta for her biggest career win. She beat Petra Kvitová in the final, 6–3, 6–4, and as a result made it into the top 20 for the first time. One week later at the 2009 BGL Luxembourg Open she won through to the semifinals, where she was edged by Timea Bacsinszky, 6–3, 2–6, 5–7.

Wickmayer's last tournament of the year was at the year-end championships in Bali. Drawn into Group C, she defeated Kimiko Date-Krumm in her first match in straight sets, 7–6, 6–3. She was supposed to face Anabel Medina Garrigues next, but was disqualified from the tournament due to doping allegations. This was her last tournament of 2009.

On 1 October 2009, it was announced that Wickmayer and fellow Belgian tennis professional Xavier Malisse were to defend themselves before the Flemish anti-doping tribunal for failing to properly fill out their whereabouts. Wickmayer replied in a press release that the failure to follow procedure was due to her not being able to log on to the relevant website, not being able to contact the right people when needed, and not being in the country when written admonitions arrived by mail. At the tribunal on 22 October 2009, the prosecution did not ask for a ban, but rather for a "principal restraint" of the facts that they were being accused of, and as such it was expected that this would not cause any problems for either athlete.

However, on 5 November 2009, the decision of the tribunal was announced, an effective one-year ban for both players. Wickmayer, as well as Malisse, appealed the final decision, and her ban was lifted on 16 December 2009, after the appeal was granted.

2010: Top 15 ranking

Wickmayer accepted a wildcard into the first tournament of the year, the 2010 ASB Classic in Auckland. Seeded 3rd, she reached the final defeating Julia Görges, Raluca Olaru, wildcard Kimiko Date-Krumm, and Shahar Pe'er. In the final, Wickmayer defeated first seed Flavia Pennetta 6-3, 6-2. Wickmayer won the tournament without dropping a set. This title was her first title of the year and third of her career. Due to Wickmayer's suspensions being lifted after the deadline for the 2010 Australian Open, Wickmayer was forced to enter the qualifying draw. After a nervous first-round qualifying, she easily won through to the main draw. Being a dangerous floater, she drew Alexandra Dulgheru in the first round. In a match that included numerous rain delays, she prevailed, 1–6, 7–5, [10–8]. In the 2nd round, she defeated 12th seed Flavia Pennetta 7-6(2), 6-1. In the 3rd round, she beat Sara Errani 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3. In the 4th round, Wickmayer lost in three sets to compatriot, former champion and former World No. 1 Justine Henin 6-7(3), 6-1, 3-6. Despite the loss she moved up to a career-high of no. 15.

Wickmayer was selected to represent Belgium at the World Group II Fed Cup tie against Poland. She won both her rubbers against Marta Domachowska and Agnieszka Radwańska, thus allowing Kirsten Flipkens to secure the tie for Belgium with a win against Domachowska, to advance to the World Group playoff. In her next two tournaments, the Open GDF Suez tournament in Paris and the 2010 Dubai Tennis Championships in Dubai, Wickmayer lost in first-round matches, in Paris to Petra Martić; and in Dubai to Shahar Pe'er. She fared better in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where she won two matches, before losing in the round of 16 to María José Martínez Sánchez of Spain 4-6, 4-6. She then traveled to Miami for the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open. Seeded 12th, Wickmayer reached the quarterfinals after wins over qualifier Elena Baltacha, wildcard Petra Martić, and Timea Bacsinszky. She was defeated in the quarterfinals by 13th seed Marion Bartoli 6-4, 7-5. Despite her loss to Bartoli, her strong performance brought her to a new career-high ranking of world no. 13, moving to 12 without playing the next week.

Wickmayer was again selected to represent Belgium at the Fed Cup World Group playoff tie against Estonia. When Kim Clijsters and Wickmayer won their singles rubbers on Saturday, Belgium was in a comfortable lead. However, Clijsters had injured her foot and had to be replaced by Justine Henin, who herself had been injured earlier that week. Henin lost her rubber, so it fell on Wickmayer to bring home the tie during the fourth, which she did. At the 2010 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix held in Stuttgart, Wickmayer moved to the second round, before falling for the second consecutive time to fellow Belgian and former world no. 1 Justine Henin 3-6, 5-7. Her next tournament was the 2010 Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, where she was the 11th seed. She defeated Karolina Šprem and Aravane Rezaï in the first two rounds, before losing to 7th seed and eventual finalist Jelena Janković in the 3rd round 2-6, 0-6. Wickmayer pulled out of the 2010 Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open citing a right elbow injury, and underwent surgery. Though the 2010 French Open was only two weeks later, she managed to be fit in time and played there as 16th seed. She defeated Sandra Záhlavová in the first round 6–1, 6–1. In the 2nd round, she beat Sybille Bammer 7–6, 1–6, 7–5. Wickmayer fell in the 3rd round to 23rd seed Daniela Hantuchová 5-7, 3-6. Despite her recent injury, this was her best French Open performance to date.

Wickmayer started her grass court season at the 2010 Aegon Classic. As the 3rd seed, she reached the quarterfinals defeating qualifier Laura Robson and 14th seed Tamarine Tanasugarn. She was stunned in the quarterfinals by qualifier Alison Riske 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3. The next week, she had 200 ranking points to defend from her reaching the Ordina Open final last year. However, Wickmayer decided to play at the 2010 Aegon International. She was not seeded due to the strong players field. In the 1st round, Wickmayer lost easily to 5th seed and compatriot Kim Clijsters 1-6, 1-6. Wickmayer finished off her grass court season by competing at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships. Seeded 15th in the main draw, Wickmayer beat wildcard Alison Riske in the 1st round 6-4, 5-7, 6-3. This win marked her 1st main draw win at Wimbledon. In the 2nd roud, she beat her compatriot and doubles partner Kirsten Flipkens 7-6(9), 6-4. In the 3rd round, Wickmayer was defeated by 21st seed and eventual finalist Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 6-2. The day before their second round match, Flipkens and Wickmayer played doubles together, which they lost in the 1st round to 13th seed Vera Dushevina/Ekaterina Makarova 6-7(4), 3-6. Wickmayer also played mixed doubles with her compatriot Dick Norman. They lost in the 1st round to British wildcards Jonathan Marray/Anna Smith 3-6, 6-3, 5-7. After Wimbledon, she rose to World Number 16 once again, the third Belgian after Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.

After Wimbledon, Wickmayer moved on to the US Open Series by playing at the 2010 Bank of the West Classic. As the 7th seed, Wickmayer made it to the quarterfinals beating Chan Yung-jan and Dominika Cibulková. In the quarterfinals, she lost to top seed Sam Stosur 5-7, 6-3, 3-6. Wickmayer was seeded 8th at the 2010 Mercury Insurance Open, but fell in the 1st round to Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6, 6-2, 1-6. Seeded 12th at the 2010 Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open, Wickmayer reached the quarterfinals defeating qualifier Gréta Arn, Gisela Dulko, and 8th seed Li Na. In the quarterfinals, she was defeated by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 3-6, 6-1. Seeded 13th at the 2010 Rogers Cup, Wickmayer lost in the 2nd round to Ágnes Szávay 7-6(5), 3-6, 4-6. Seeded 5th at the 2010 Pilot Pen Tennis, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Timea Bacsinszky 6-3, 6-1. Wickmayer was seeded 15th at the 2010 US Open, with semifinal ranking points to defend. She reached the 4th round beating Alla Kudryavtseva, Julia Görges, and Patty Schnyder. In the 4th round, Wickmayer lost to 31st seed Kaia Kanepi 6-0, 6-7(2), 1-6. As a result, Wickmayer failed to defend her semifinalist points from last year.

Turning to the Asian events, Wickmayer competed at the 2010 Toray Pan Pacific Open. She lost in the 1st round to 11th seed Marion Bartoli 4-6, 4-6.

2011: Continued success

Wickmayer returned to Auckland to defend her 2010 Championship. Seeded second, she reached the final once again defeating Dinara Safina, qualifier Sabine Lisicki, Simona Halep, and Peng Shuai. In the final, Wickmayer lost to Gréta Arn 3-6, 3-6. At the 2011 Medibank International Sydney, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by 4th seed Samantha Stosur 7-5, 6-4. Seeded 21st at the 2011 Australian Open, Wickmayer lost in the second round to Latvian Anastasija Sevastova 4-6, 2-6.

After the Australian Open, Wickmayer played in the Fed Cup tie versus the United States. Wickmayer won both of her rubbers beating Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-1, 7-6(6) and Melanie Oudin 6-2, 6-0. Belgium beat the United States 4-1. Next, Belgium will face the Czech Republic in the semifinals. Seeded 7th at the 2011 Open GDF Suez, Wickmayer made it to the quarterfinals after beating Elena Vesnina and Klára Zakopalová. In the quarterfinals, she lost to 4th seed and eventual champion Petra Kvitová 7-5, 3-6, 6-7(3). Wickmayer had a 5-3 lead in the 3rd set, but Kvitová rallied to get the win. At the 2011 Dubai Tennis Championships, Wickmayer beat wildcard Bojana Jovanovski in the 1st round 7-5, 3-6, 6-2. In the 2nd round, she stunned 5th seed Li Na 6-7(6), 7-6(6), 6-2. In the match, Li Na wasted 4 match points; she led 6-2 in the second set tiebreaker before Wickmayer reeled off the next six points to level the match and ultimately, win the match. In the 3rd round, Wickmayer lost to 9th seed Shahar Pe'er 6-3, 4-6, 1-6. Wickmayer's next event was the 2011 BNP Paribas Open, where she competed as the 23rd seed. She reached the semifinals after beating Melanie Oudin, 14th seed Kaia Kanepi, 25th seed Dominika Cibulková, and 10th seed Shahar Pe'er. In the semifinals, she lost to 15th seed Marion Bartoli 1-6, 3-6. This was her first semifinal ever in Indian Wells. At the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open, Wickmayer was the 23rd seed. After a first-round bye, she was defeated in the 2nd round by Russian Elena Vesnina 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.

Wickmayer began her clay court season at the 2011 Family Circle Cup. As the 6th seed, she reached the quarterfinals beating Jie Zheng 6-4, 6-0 and qualifier Anna Tatishvili 6-4, 7-5. In the quarterfinals, she was defeated by top seed and eventual champion Caroline Wozniacki 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. After playing in Charleston, Wickmayer returned home to play in the Fed Cup semifinal tie versus the Czech Republic. Wickmayer won her 1st rubber over Barbora Záhlavová-Strýcová 6-4, 6-4. In her final rubber, Wickmayer lost to Petra Kvitová 7-5, 4-6, 2-6. In the end, the Czech moved on to the Fed Cup Final after beating Belgium 3-2. At the 2011 Mutua Madrid Open, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to World Number 39 Ekaterina Makarova 4-6, 4-6. Ranked 24 at the 2011 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Wickmayer reached the 3rd round after wins over Angelique Kerber 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and 13th seed Ana Ivanovic 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-3. In the 3rd round, she was defeated by top seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-1, 7-6(4). Wickmayer played her final tournament before the French Open at the 2011 Brussels Open. As the 6th seed, she reached the quarterfinals defeating qualifier Kaia Kanepi 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 and qualifier Alison Van Uytvanck 7-6(2), 6-4. In the quarterfinals, Wickmayer was up against top seed Caroline Wozniacki. Wozniacki led 2-0 in the 1st set when Wickmayer retired due to a back injury. As the 21st seed at the 2011 French Open, Wickmayer had a good run to the 3rd round beating Monica Niculescu 6-0, 6-3 and Ayumi Morita 6-4, 7-5. In the 3rd round, she lost to 12th seed Agnieszka Radwańska 4-6, 4-6.

Wickmayer played only one grass court tournament in preparation for Wimbledon. Seeded 3rd at the 2011 UNICEF Open, Wickmayer made it to the quarterfinals where she lost to 7th seed and eventual champion Roberta Vinci 4-6, 4-6. At the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, Wickmayer was the 19th seed. She made it to the 4th round beating Varvara Lepchenko, Anna Tatishvili, and 12th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova. In the 4th round, Wickmayer was defeated by 8th seed and eventual champion Petra Kvitová 6-0, 6-2.

During the summer, Wickmayer took part in the 2011 Rogers Cup, where she lost to Roberta Vinci in the first round 4-6, 2-6. She then played 2011 Western & Southern Open as the 17th seed. Wickmayer lost in the second round to qualifier Petra Martić 6-3, 2-6, 2-6. Seeded 4th at the 2011 Texas Tennis Open, she retired in the first round against Sofia Arvidsson with a back injury. Seeded 20th at the 2011 US Open, Wickmayer won her first match against Sorana Cîrstea 6-1, 7-5. Wickmayer then withdrew in the second round against Alla Kudryavtseva due to the same back injury. She then sat out the fall Asian tour.

Wickmayer ended the year ranked 26.

2012: Steady Ranking

Wickmayer began her 2012 season by competing at the 2012 ASB Classic. As the 7th seed, Wickmayer was upset in the 2nd round by World Number 45 Sara Errani 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. At the 2012 Moorilla Hobart International, Wickmayer was the top seed. She defeated Marina Erakovic in the first round 7-5, 6-4. In the 2nd round, she had an easy win against Casey Dellacqua 6–1, 6–1. In the quarterfinals, she defeated Simona Halep 6–4, 6–0. She then moved into the final with a 7–6, 6–3 win over sixth-seeded Shahar Pe'er in the semis. She eventually lost in the final to qualifier Mona Barthel 1-6, 2-6. Seeded 28th at the 2012 Australian Open, the first major of the season, Wickmayer lost in the first round to Kazakhstan's Galina Voskoboeva.

Her next tournament was in Paris, at the 2012 Open GDF Suez. In the first round she faced lucky loser Jill Craybas. Wickmayer won the first set 6–1, after which the American withdrew with a back injury, and was forced to retire. In the second round, she faced another American, Christina McHale, and she won 6–2, 7–5. In the quarterfinals, Wickmayer got past Mona Barthel 6–4, 6–7(3), 6–3 to reach the semifinals. In the semifinals, she lost to 9th seed and eventual champion Angelique Kerber 7-6(2), 3-6, 4-6. Wickmayer then went on to play in Doha at the 2012 Qatar Total Open where she reached the quarter finals defeating Ayumi Morita, 7th seed Francesca Schiavone, and Ksenia Pervak. She then lost in the quarterfinals to World No. 1 and eventual champion Victoria Azarenka in straight sets 0–6, 4–6. She then went into 2012 BNP Paribas Open with a lot of points to defend, after reaching the semi finals the year before. As the 22nd seed, she lost in the second round to Jarmila Gajdošová in three sets 6–2, 2–6, 4–6. She plummeted from No. 24 to No.33 the week after. At the 2012 Sony Ericsson Open, she reached the round of 16 after defeating Marina Erakovic in the 2nd round 6-3, 6-4 and Kim Clijsters in the 3rd round 6-4, 7-6(5). Wickmayer lost in the 4th round to 4th seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-7(6), 0-6.

Wickmayer began her clay court season at the 2012 Family Circle Cup. As the 12th seed, she was defeated in the 2nd round by qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova 6-2, 7-6(2). As the 4th seed at the 2012 Grand Prix SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to Patricia Mayr-Achleitner 4-6, 2-6. At the 2012 Mutua Madrid Open, Wickmayer fell in the 2nd round to Roberta Vinci 1-6, 2-6. Competing at the 2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Iveta Benešová 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(5). In her final tournament before the French Open, the 2012 Brussels Open, she lost in the 2nd round to 4th seed Dominika Cibulková 3-6, 4-6. At the 2012 French Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Tsvetana Pironkova 3-6, 6-0, 6-3.

After the French Open, Wickmayer played at the 2012 Gastein Ladies, a clay court international event. As the 2nd seed, she reached the final beating Mariana Duque-Mariño, Patricia Mayr-Achleitner, Yvonne Meusburger, and Mandy Minella. In the final, Wickmayer lost to 7th seed Alizé Cornet 5-7, 6-7(1). This was her second WTA final of 2012.

Wickmayer played only one grass court tournament before Wimbledon. At the 2012 UNICEF Open, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to qualifier Daria Gavrilova 1-6, 2-6. At the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, Wickmayer defeated 32nd seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in the 1st round 6-2, 6-3. In the 2nd round, she won a tight match against Galina Voskoboeva 4-6, 6-3, 8-6. In the 3rd round, Wickmayer lost to Tamira Paszek 6-2, 6-7(4), 5-7.

Wickmayer sarted her US Open Series at the 2012 Bank of the West Classic. Seeded 5th, Wickmayer won her 1st round match over Chang Kai-chen 7-5, 2-6, 7-5. Wickmayer then beat Heather Watson in her 2nd round match 5-7, 6-1, 6-4. In the quarterfinals, Wickmayer upset 2nd seed and last year finalist Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-2. In the semifinals, Wickmayer lost to American, Lucky Loser, and eventual finalist Coco Vandeweghe 2-6, 6-3, 2-6. Seeded 7th at the 2012 Mercury Insurance Open, Wickmayer faced qualifier Chan Yung-jan in the 1st round. Chan won the 1st set 7-6(6). The match did not continue any further because Wickmayer retired due to a lower back injury. Representing Belgium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Wickmayer defeated Anabel Medina Garrigues in the 1st round 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. In the 2nd round, she lost to 8th seed Caroline Wozniacki 4-6, 6-3, 3-6. At the 2012 Rogers Cup, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to Roberta Vinci 2-6, 6-3, 5-7. Wickmayer had a 5-2 lead in the 3rd set before Vinci made a comeback to win the match. At the 2012 Western & Southern Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Sorana Cîrstea 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3. As the 4th seed at the 2012 Texas Tennis Open, Wickmayer made it to the 2nd round where she lost to qualifier Casey Dellacqua 4-6, 3-6. Seeded 25th at the 2012 US Open, she beat qualifier Julia Glushko in the 1st round 7-5, 6-2. In the 2nd round, Wickmayer was defeated by World Number 90 Pauline Parmentier 7-6(5), 6-3.

After the US Open, Wickmayer competed at the 2012 Challenge Bell. As the 2nd seed, Wickmayer reached the 2nd round losing to qualifier Lauren Davis 1-6, 1-6. Playing at the 2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by World Number 24 Jelena Janković 6-3, 6-3. Wickmayer's final tournament of the year was at the 2012 China Open. In the 1st round, she lost to Peng Shuai 5-7, 5-7.

Wickmayer ended the year ranked 23.

2013: Struggles with form

Wickmayer played her first tournament of the season at the 2013 ASB Classic. Seeded 3rd, she reached the final after wins over Magdaléna Rybáriková, Romina Oprandi, Kirsten Flipkens, and 8th seed Mona Barthel. In the final, Wickmayer lost to 1st seed Agnieszka Radwańska 4-6, 4-6. At the 2013 Apia International Sydney, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by qualifier Galina Voskoboeva 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2. As the 20th seed at the 2013 Australian Open, Wickmayer reached the 3rd round where she lost to 14th seed Maria Kirilenko 6-7(4), 3-6.

After the Australian Open, Wickmayer competed at the 2013 Open GDF Suez. In the 1st round, she beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-6(7), 4-6, 6-3. In the 2nd round, Wickmayer lost to French wildcard Kristina Mladenovic 4-6, 4-6. Playing in the Fed Cup tie versus Switzerland, Wickmayer beat Stefanie Vögele in her first rubber 6-1, 4-6, 8-6. In her final rubber, she lost to Romina Oprandi 6-2, 6-2. Switzerland won the Fed Cup tie over Belgium 4-1. At the 2013 Qatar Total Open, Wickmayer faced 15th seed Roberta Vinci in the 1st round. Vinci was leading 6-2, 2-1 when Wickmayer retired due to a low back injury. Seeded 30th and receiving a 1st round bye at the 2013 BNP Paribas Open, Wickmayer beat qualifier Mirjana Lučić-Baroni in her 2nd round match 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. In the 3rd round, she lost to 4th seed Angelique Kerber 1-6, 6-7(4). Seeded 31st at the 2013 Sony Open Tennis, Wickmayer again got a 1st round bye. In the 2nd round, she was defeated by Ayumi Morita 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-3. After Miami, Wickmayer took a one week break. Then, Wickmayer traveled to Mexico to play at the 2013 Monterrey Open. As the 6th seed, she made it to the 2nd round where she lost to Monica Niculescu 4-6, 6-3, 1-6.

Beginning her clay court season at the 2013 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-2, 6-1. Competing at the 2013 Portugal Open, she lost in the 2nd round to 4th seed and eventual finalist Carla Suárez Navarro 4-6, 3-6. At the 2013 Mutua Madrid Open, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to 8th seed Petra Kvitová 6-4, 5-7, 4-6. At the 2013 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, she lost in the 2nd round to Lucky Loser Lourdes Domínguez Lino 4-6, 4-6. Playing in her final tournament before the French Open at the 2013 Brussels Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by American Jamie Hampton 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. At the 2013 French Open, she lost in the 1st round to qualifier Anna Karolína Schmiedlová 6-7(5), 6-2, 2-6.

Wickmayer began her grass court campaign at the 2013 Aegon Classic. As the 9th seed, she lost in the 2nd round to Mirjana Lučić-Baroni 4-6, 0-6. At the 2013 Aegon International, Wickmayer reached the semifinals after wins over Christina McHale, 4th seed Petra Kvitová, and 6th seed Maria Kirilenko. In the semifinals, she lost to eventual champion Elena Vesnina 2-6, 0-6. At the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Vesna Dolonc 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Wickmayer started her US Open Series at the 2013 Bank of the West Classic. In the 1st round, she lost to Daniela Hantuchová 2-6, 6-4, 0-6. At the 2013 Citi Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by 4th seed Alizé Cornet 6-1, 6-3. Playing at the 2013 Rogers Cup in Toronto, Wickmayer lost in the 2nd round to 3rd seed Agnieszka Radwańska 2-6, 3-6. At the 2013 Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, she lost in the 1st round easily to Lucky Loser Monica Niculescu 1-6, 2-6. Seeded 9th for qualifying at the 2013 New Haven Open at Yale, Wickmayer lost in the final round of qualifying to American Alison Riske 4-6, 2-6. At the 2013 US Open, Wickmayer was heavily defeated in the 1st round by 14th seed Maria Kirilenko 6-1, 6-1.

After the US Open, Wickmayer competed at the 2013 Generali Ladies Linz in Linz, Austria. She lost in the 1st round to 3rd seed and eventual finalist Ana Ivanovic 2-6, 4-6. At the 2013 BGL Luxembourg Open in Luxembourg, Wickmayer lost in the 2nd round to qualifier Katarzyna Piter 6-3, 1-6, 4-6. However, in doubles, she and Stephanie Vogt won the title beating Kristina Barrois/Laura Thorpe in the final 7-6(2), 6-4. This was Wickmayer's 1st WTA Doubles Title.

Wickmayer had great results at the last two tournaments she played in 2013. Seeded 2nd at the 2013 Nanjing Ladies Open, Wickmayer reached the semifinals defeating Yaroslava Shvedova, Chinese wildcard Yafan Wang, and Anna-Lena Friedsam. In the semifinals, she lost to 3rd seed and eventual champion Shuai Zhang. Wickmayer's final tournament of the year was the 2013 OEC Taipei WTA Ladies Open. As the 2nd seed, she reached the final after beating qualifier Chan Chin-wei, Olga Govortsova, Saisai Zheng, and Luksika Kumkhum. In the final, Wickmayer was defeated by compatriot Alison Van Uytvanck 6-4, 6-2. Nevertheless, this was Wickmayer's best result of the year.

Wickmayer ended the year ranked 59.

2014: Diagnosed with Lyme disease

Wickmayer began the 2014 season at the 2014 ASB Classic. Even though Wickmayer reached the final last year, she lost in the 1st round to qualifier Kristýna Plíšková 6-7(3), 0-6. Next, Wickmayer played at the 2014 Moorilla Hobart International. In the 1st round, she faced Laura Robson. Robson won the 1st set 6-4. In the 2nd set, Wickmayer was leading 2-0 when Robson retired due to a left wrist injury. In the 2nd round, Wickmayer was up against qualifier Garbiñe Muguruza. Muguruza led 4-1 in the 1st set when Wickmayer retired due to a viral illness. Ranked 63 at the 2014 Australian Open, Wickmayer beat Dinah Pfizenmaier in the 1st round 7-6(5), 6-3. In the 2nd round, she lost easily to Alison Riske 1-6, 1-6.

Wickmayer had a great result at the 2014 Qatar Total Open. She reached the quarterfinals beating Andrea Petkovic, 8th seed Caroline Wozniacki, and Jana Čepelová. She lost in the quarterfinals to 2nd seed Agnieszka Radwańska 2-6, 1-6. Competing at the 2014 Abierto Mexicano Telcel, Wickmayer was defeated in the 2nd round by 1st seed and eventual champion Dominika Cibulková 7-5, 6-2. At the 2014 BNP Paribas Open, Wickmayer lost in the 2nd round to 26th seed Lucie Šafářová 3-6, 4-6. Playing at the 2014 Sony Open Tennis, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Varvara Lepchenko 7-5, 6-1. At the 2014 BNP Paribas Katowice Open, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to Alexandra Cadanţu 6-3, 1-6, 1-6.

Starting her clay court season at the 2014 Portugal Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 2nd round by 4th seed Roberta Vinci 6-0, 6-2. Seeded 1st at the 2014 Open GDF Suez de Cagnes-sur-Mer Alpes-Maritimes, she lost in the 1st round to qualifier Richèl Hogenkamp 3-6, 0-6. Seeded 4th at the 2014 Sparta Prague Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by qualifier Madison Brengle 6-4, 6-3. Ranked 64 at the 2014 French Open, Wickmayer beat 13th seed Caroline Wozniacki in the 1st round 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-2. In the 2nd round, she lost to World Number 85 Sílvia Soler Espinosa 2-6, 4-6.

Wickmayer began her grass court season at the 2014 Aegon Classic. She upset 10th seed Bojana Jovanovski in the 1st round. In the 2nd round, she lost to Coco Vandeweghe 7-5, 5-7, 1-6. At the 2014 Topshelf Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by 5th seed Andrea Petkovic 6-2, 6-4. Ranked 69 at the 2014 Wimbledon Championships, Wickmayer beat 17th seed Samantha Stosur in the 1st round 6-3, 6-4. In the 2nd round, she lost to qualifier Ana Konjuh 6-3, 2-6, 2-6.

Wickmayer started her preparation for the US Open at the 2014 Bank of the West Classic. In the 1st round, she faced qualifier Carol Zhao. Zhao won the 1st set 6-4; she was leading 1-0 in the 2nd set when Wickmayer retired due to viral illness. Seeded 9th for qualifying at the 2014 Rogers Cup, Wickmayer made it to the main draw beating Verónica Cepede Royg 6-0, 6-1 and 15th seed Kristina Mladenovic 1-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(4). In the 1st round, Wickmayer was defeated by Lucky Loser Karolína Plíšková 6-2, 6-1. Seeded 16th for qualifying at the 2014 Western & Southern Open, Wickmayer successfully qualified for the main draw defeating Alison Van Uytvanck 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 6-2 and Julia Görges 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. In the 1st round, she lost to 14th seed Sara Errani 5-7, 6-3, 6-7(2). At the 2014 Connecticut Open, Wickmayer lost in the 2nd round of qualifying to Timea Bacsinszky 1-6, 4-6. Ranked 64 at the 2014 US Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Belinda Bencic 6-3, 6-2.

Wickmayer competed at the 1st edition of the 2014 Hong Kong Tennis Open. As the 6th seed, she defeated qualifier Elizaveta Kulichkova in the 1st round 6-4, 6-4. In the 2nd round, Wickmayer lost to Saisai Zheng 4-6, 2-6. At the 2014 Korea Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 2nd round by 4th seed Magdaléna Rybáriková 6-2, 6-2.

Late into the season, Wickmayer became aware that she was fighting Lyme disease for around five months. Initially it was thought she had an allergic infection but further examination led to the Lyme disease diagnosis. Plans to participate in more tournaments in Asia were cancelled. She ended the season recuperating and taking medication.

Wickmayer ended the year ranked 67.

2015: 1st WTA Title since 2010

Wickmayer started the year at the 2015 ASB Classic. She lost in the 1st round to wildcard Taylor Townsend 7-5, 3-6, 6-0. Seeded 9th for qualifying at the 2015 Apia International Sydney, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round of qualifying to Tímea Babos 6-3, 1-6, 2-6. At the 2015 Australian Open, Wickmayer upset 23rd seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the 1st round 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. In the 2nd round, she beat Lara Arruabarrena 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. In the 3rd round, Wickmayer upset 14th seed Sara Errani 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach the 4th round for the first time since 2010. In the 4th round, Wickmayer lost to 3rd seed Simona Halep 4-6, 2-6.

As a wildcard at the 2015 Diamond Games, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Barbora Záhlavová-Strýcová 6-2, 6-2. At the 2015 Monterrey Open, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to 4th seed and eventual champion Timea Bacsinszky 6-7(8), 6-3, 4-6. Playing at the 2015 BNP Paribas Open, Wickmayer lost in the 2nd round to 2nd seed Maria Sharapova 1-6, 5-7. At the 2015 Miami Open, she was defeated in the 1st round by Sloane Stephens 6-1, 6-3. Competing in Poland at the 2015 Katowice Open, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to 1st seed and Home Crowd Favorite Agnieszka Radwańska 1-6, 3-6.

Wickmayer began her clay court season at the 2015 J&T Banka Prague Open. She reached the semifinals after wins over 8th seed Camila Giorgi, Aleksandra Krunić, and qualifier Danka Kovinić. Wickmayer then fell in the semifinals to 1st seed and eventual champion Karolína Plíšková 4-6, 5-7. Seeded 6th at the 2015 Empire Slovak Open, she was defeated in the 2nd round by Jeļena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4. At the 2015 Nürnberger Versicherungscup, her final tournament before the French Open, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to Evgeniya Rodina 6-4, 3-6, 5-7. At the 2015 French Open, she lost in the 1st round to 19th seed Elina Svitolina 2-6, 2-6.

Wickmayer began her grass court season by competing at the 1st edition of the 2015 Aegon Open Nottingham. In the 1st round, she beat 4th seed Karin Knapp 6-4, 6-2. In the 2nd round, she defeated Bojana Jovanovski 6-0, 6-4. In the quarterfinals, Wickmayer faced 5th seed Alison Riske. Riske led 6-2, 2-0 before Wickmayer had to retire due to illness. Seeded 13th for qualifying at the 2015 Aegon Classic, Wickmayer lost in the final round of qualifying to Kateryna Bondarenko 6-4, 6-7(5), 3-6. At the 2015 Aegon International, she was defeated in the 1st round of qualifying by 15th seed Christina McHale 6-4, 6-2. Playing at the 2015 Wimbledon Championships, the 3rd Grand Slam tournament of the year, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to Elizaveta Kulichkova 6-3, 6-7(6), 8-10.

After Wimbledon, Wickmayer comoeted at the 2015 İstanbul Cup. She was defeated in the 1st round by 4th seed Alizé Cornet 6-3, 7-5.

Wickmayer started her US Open Series at the 2015 Rogers Cup. Seeded 25th in qualifying, she advanced to the main draw after wins over Donna Vekić and 8th seed Julia Görges. In the 1st round, she was defeated by fellow qualifier Lesia Tsurenko 6-3, 7-6(3). Seeded 4th at the 2015 Odlum Brown Vancouver Open, Wickmayer reached the semifinals with wins over Canadian wildcard Gabriela Dabrowski, qualifier Julia Glushko, and Nao Hibino. In the semifinals, she lost to 7th seed and eventual champion Johanna Konta 4-6, 3-6. At the 2015 US Open, Wickmayer defeated 2010 French Open Champion Francesca Schiavone in the 1st round 6-3, 6-1. In the 2nd round, she lost to 20th seed Victoria Azarenka 5-7, 4-6.

After the US Open, Wickmayer competed at the 2015 Japan Women's Open. She reached the final after defeating Kateřina Siniaková, 5th seed Johanna Larsson, Kateryna Bondarenko, and 7th seed Ajla Tomljanović. In the final, Wickmayer beat Magda Linette 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. This was her 1st WTA singles title win since 2010. Wickmayer continued her good form at the 2015 Guangzhou International Women's Open. She reached the semifinals beating Magda Linette, Monica Puig, and 6th seed and defending champion Monica Niculescu. In the semifinals, Wickmayer was defeated by 4th seed and eventual champion Jelena Janković 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Seeded 2nd for qualifying at the 2015 Generali Ladies Linz, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round of qualifying to Jana Čepelová 5-7, 6-0, 3-6. At the 2015 BGL Luxembourg Open, she was defeated in the 1st round by 7th seed Barbora Strýcová 6-4, 6-2. Her final tournament of the year was at the 2015 Carlsbad Classic, which is a new tournament added to the 2015 WTA 125K series. Seeded 1st, Wickmayer reached the final defeating Julia Boserup, Kristie Ahn, Catherine Bellis, and Maria Sakkari. In the final, she beat 5th seed Nicole Gibbs 6-3, 7-6(4). This was Wickmayer's 1st WTA 125K series tournament title.

Wickmayer ended the year ranked 49.

2016: 5th WTA Title

Wickmayer began the year at the 2016 Brisbane International. In the 1st round, she lost to Dominika Cibulková 6-3, 4-6, 4-6. Seeded 1st for qualifying at the 2016 Apia International Sydney, Wickmayer lost in the 2nd round of qualifying to Lauren Davis 3-6, 6-7(3). At the 2016 Australian Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by World Number 75 Magdaléna Rybáriková 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Wickmayer's next tournament was in Russia at the 2016 St. Petersburg Ladies' Trophy. She beat Jeļena Ostapenko in the 1st round 6-4, 6-3. In the 2nd round, she lost to 2nd seed and eventual champion Roberta Vinci 2-6, 6-7(2). Seeded 8th at the 2016 Abierto Mexicano Telcel, Wickmayer reached the semifinals where she lost to 2nd seed and eventual champion Sloane Stephens 2-6, 0-6. At the 2016 Monterrey Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 2nd round by 4th seed Johanna Konta 7-6(6), 7-6(4). Competing at the 2016 BNP Paribas Open, Wickmayer lost in the 2nd round to 26th seed Samantha Stosur 6-2, 4-6, 6-7(6). After Indian Wells, Wickmayer played at the 2016 San Antonio Open, which is one of the 2016 WTA 125K series tournaments. Seeded 4th, she lost in the 1st round to Lauren Davis 6-2, 1-6, 3-6. At the 2016 Miami Open, Wickmayer won her 1st round match over Karin Knapp 6–2, 6-1. In the 2nd round, she upset 11th seed Lucie Šafářová 6-2, 6-3. In the 3rd round, Wickmayer was defeated by wildcard Heather Watson 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Wickmayer began her clay court season at the 2016 İstanbul Cup. Seeded 2nd, she lost in the 1st round to World Number 113 Andreea Mitu 5-7, 4-6. At the 2016 J&T Banka Prague Open, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to Camila Giorgi 6-4, 1-6, 2-6. At the 2016 Mutua Madrid Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by 12th seed Elina Svitolina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Playing in her final tournament before the French Open at the 2016 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by 11th seed Timea Bacsinszky 6-2, 6-2. Wickmayer had a great run at the 2016 French Open. In the 1st round, she beat Alexandra Dulgheru 6-1, 6-3. In the 2nd round, Wickmayer upset 27th seed Ekaterina Makarova 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the 3rd round. In the 3rd round, she lost to 4th seed and eventual champion Garbiñe Muguruza 3-6, 0-6.

Wickmayer began her grass court season at the 2016 Aegon Open Nottingham. Seeded 5th, she was defeated in the 1st round by Lucky Loser Andrea Hlaváčková 7-5, 7-6(7). After Nottingham, Wickmayer played at the 2016 Aegon Classic Birmingham. In the 1st round, she defeated Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2. In the 2nd round, she upset 9th seed Johanna Konta 6-3, 6-3. In the quarterfinals, Wickmayer lost to Coco Vandeweghe 4-6, 2-6. At the 2016 Aegon International Eastbourne, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Kristina Mladenovic 7-6(6), 6-4. At the 2016 Wimbledon Championships, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to 15th seed Karolína Plíšková 2-6, 6-0, 6-8.

Wickmayer started her US Open Series at the 2016 Citi Open where she was the 7th seed. She reached the final after wins over Madison Brengle, Zhang Shuai, 4th seed Kristina Mladenovic, and 6th seed Yulia Putintseva. In the final, she defeated Lauren Davis in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. This was Wickmayer's 5th career WTA Tour singles totle. In doubles, parterning with Monica Niculescu, she and Niculescu both won the 2016 Citi Open doubles title defeating Shuko Aoyama/Risa Ozaki in the final 6-4, 6-3. Ranked 36 at the 2016 Rogers Cup, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to qualifier Kristina Kučová 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Representing Belgium at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Barbora Strýcová 7-6(6), 6-1. At the 2016 US Open, Wickmayer lost in the 1st round to World Number 64 Julia Görges 3-6, 2-6.

After the US Open, Wickmayer turned toward the fall Asian tour. She first played at the 2016 Japan Women's Open, where she was the 2nd seed and the defending champion. In the 1st round, she lost to Viktorija Golubic 1-6, 6-7(7). As a result, Wickmayer failed to defend her title. At the 2016 Toray Pan Pacific Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. After Tokyo, Wickmayer competed at the 2016 Wuhan Open. She lost in the 2nd round to 7th seed Carla Suárez Navarro 4-6, 3-6. At the 2016 China Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 2nd round by 4th seed Simona Halep 6-2, 6-2. Wickmayer's final tournament of the year was the 2016 BGL Luxembourg Open. In the 1st round, she lost to Anna Karolína Schmiedlová 0-6, 6-1, 3-6.

Wickmayer ended the year ranked 51.

2017: Out of the Top 100

During the off season, Wickmayer changed her racquet make from Babolat to Yonex. Wickmayer began the year at the 2017 ASB Classic. She beat Johanna Larsson in the 1st round 6-1, 6-2. In the 2nd round, Wickmayer lost to 8th seed and eventual finalist Ana Konjuh 1-6, 2-6. At the 2017 Australian Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Lucie Šafářová 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-1. Šafářová saved a total of nine match points to defeat Wickmayer.

In February, Wickmayer played for Belgium in the Fed Cup tie versus Romania. Wickmayer only played one rubber, and she won, beating Sorana Cîrstea 7-6(4), 5-7, 7-5. In the end, Belgium defeated Romania 3-1. As the 5th seed at the 2017 Hungarian Ladies Open, Wickmayer reached the quarterfinals where she lost to 3rd seed Julia Görges 1-6, 5-7. At the 2017 Abierto Mexicano Telcel, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by wildcard Daniela Hantuchová 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. At the 2017 BNP Paribas Open, Wickmayer won her 1st round match over Laura Siegemund 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. In the 2nd round, she lost to 24th seed Daria Gavrilova 2-6, 6-7(5). Wickmayer lost in the 1st round at the 2017 Miami Open to Lucie Šafářová 6-7(2), 4-6.

Competing at the 2017 Grand Prix SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem, her first clay court season tournament of the year, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by Ekaterina Makarova 6-3, 6-2. Seeded 2nd at the 2017 Open de Cagnes-sur-Mer Alpes-Maritimes, she lost in the 1st round to qualifier Katarina Zavatska 5-7, 1-6. Seeded 1st at the 2017 Empire Slovak Open, Wickmayer made it to the quarterfinals where she was defeated by 6th seed and eventual champion Markéta Vondroušová 6-2, 6-2. Wickmayer played her final tournament before the French Open at the 2017 Nürnberger Versicherungscup. There, she lost in the 2nd round to 2nd seed Yulia Putintseva 4-6, 0-6. Ranked 69 at the 2017 French Open, Wickmayer was defeated in the 1st round by 26th seed Daria Kasatkina 7-5, 6-4.

Wickmayer began her grass court season at the 2017 Aegon Open Nottingham. In the 1st round, she beat qualifier Elizaveta Kulichkova 6-4, 6-4. In the 2nd round, Wickmayer lost to top seed and eventual finalist Johanna Konta 4-6, 1-6. Seeded 5th for qualifying at the 2017 Mallorca Open, she was defeated in the final round of qualifying by 9th seed Ons Jabeur 6-2, 6-2. Ranked 96 at the 2017 Wimbledon Championships, Wickmayer beat Kateryna Bondarenko in the 1st round 6-2, 7-5. In the 2nd round, she lost to 14th seed and eventual champion Garbiñe Muguruza 2-6, 4-6.