STEVENAGE — Joanna Garland, a 24-year-old tennis player from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is making waves in the tennis world—not just as a rising British talent, but as Taiwan’s No. 1-ranked female player. Garland, who holds dual British and Taiwanese citizenship through her mother, is now eyeing her first-ever Wimbledon qualification, representing Taiwan on the global stage.
From Stevenage to Taipei: A Unique Tennis Journey
Garland’s story is one of cultural duality and sporting ambition. Born and raised in Stevenage, she began playing tennis at the age of six, training at local clubs before moving to the prestigious Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida as a teenager. Despite her British roots, Garland’s Taiwanese heritage opened doors to representing Taiwan in international competitions, a decision that has shaped her career. "I’ve always felt a strong connection to Taiwan through my mum," Garland said in a recent interview. "Playing for Taiwan feels like honoring that part of my identity."
Her switch to the Taiwanese tennis federation in 2019 marked a turning point. While she had previously competed in ITF events under the British flag, Garland found greater opportunities—and ranking points—by representing Taiwan. By 2023, she had climbed to become the country’s top-ranked female player, a position she has held ever since.
The Road to Wimbledon
Garland’s immediate focus is securing a spot at Wimbledon, a dream she has pursued since childhood. Though she has competed in Grand Slam qualifying rounds before, she has yet to break into the main draw. "Wimbledon is the pinnacle for any British player," she admitted. "But qualifying as Taiwan’s No. 1 would be just as special."
Her recent performances suggest she’s closer than ever. In 2024, Garland reached the semifinals of an ITF W100 tournament in Japan, her best result at that level. Key strengths in her game include:
- Versatility: Garland adapts well to different surfaces, with a strong baseline game and improving net play.
- Mental resilience: Coaches praise her ability to stay composed in tight matches.
- Serve accuracy: Her first-serve percentage has steadily improved, giving her an edge in crucial points.
Balancing Two Identities
Representing Taiwan has not been without challenges. Political sensitivities around Taiwan’s status in international sports mean Garland often faces logistical hurdles, such as competing under "Chinese Taipei" at certain events. "It’s something I’ve learned to navigate," she said. "At the end of the day, I’m just focused on playing my best tennis."
Despite this, Garland has become a role model for young Taiwanese players. Her success has drawn attention to Taiwan’s growing presence in women’s tennis, with local media dubbing her "the face of Taiwanese tennis’s new generation."
Looking Ahead
With Wimbledon qualifying on the horizon, Garland is training intensively, splitting time between the UK and Taiwan to maximize preparation. "This could be my breakthrough year," she reflected. "Whether it’s for Taiwan or the journey that started in Stevenage, I’m ready to give it everything."
Her story resonates beyond tennis, embodying the modern athlete’s global identity. As she put it: "Tennis has given me the chance to represent two homes. I don’t take that for granted."
For now, all eyes are on the grass courts. If Garland secures her Wimbledon debut, it will be a milestone not just for her, but for Taiwanese tennis—and a proud moment for Stevenage, the town where her journey began.