SWANSEA — Rising tennis star Mimi Xu is set to make her senior Wimbledon debut on Monday, and the 18-year-old from Swansea says she hopes to make Wales proud on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
Xu, who has been turning heads in the junior circuit, earned her spot in the main draw after an impressive qualifying campaign. Speaking to BBC Wales ahead of the tournament, she expressed her excitement and determination: "It’s a dream come true, and I want to give it everything I’ve got."
A Rising Star from Wales
Born and raised in Swansea, Xu began playing tennis at the age of six and quickly showed promise. By 14, she was competing internationally in junior tournaments, and last year, she reached the girls’ doubles final at Wimbledon alongside partner Isabelle Lacy. Now, she steps onto the senior stage as one of the youngest competitors in the draw.
Her rapid rise has drawn comparisons to British tennis legends like Virginia Wade and Annabel Croft. "Mimi has that rare combination of power and finesse," says her coach, Mark Taylor. "She’s fearless on the court."
The Road to Wimbledon
Xu’s journey to Wimbledon has been marked by hard-fought victories and steady progress. Earlier this year, she made her WTA Tour debut in Nottingham, where she pushed a seeded player to three sets. Her performance in the Wimbledon qualifiers was equally impressive, showcasing her adaptability on grass.
Key milestones in her career so far include:
- Winning the prestigious Orange Bowl junior tournament in 2022
- Reaching a career-high junior ranking of No. 5
- Securing her first senior Grand Slam main-draw appearance at Wimbledon 2024
A Nation Behind Her
Welsh tennis fans have rallied behind Xu, with social media buzzing ahead of her debut. Tennis Wales CEO Simon Johnson said, "Mimi is an inspiration to young players across Wales. Her success shows what’s possible with dedication and talent."
Xu herself acknowledges the support: "Knowing that people back home are cheering me on gives me extra motivation. I want to represent Wales in the best way possible."
The Challenge Ahead
Xu faces a tough first-round opponent in No. 28 seed Sorana Cîrstea, a seasoned player with multiple WTA titles. However, the young Welshwoman remains undaunted. "I’ve worked hard for this moment, and I’m ready to compete," she said.
Her game, built on a strong serve and aggressive baseline play, could prove effective on Wimbledon’s grass courts. Analysts suggest that if she maintains her composure, an upset isn’t out of the question.
Looking to the Future
Beyond Wimbledon, Xu has her sights set on climbing the WTA rankings and representing Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup. "This is just the beginning," she said. "I want to keep improving and see how far I can go."
With her talent and determination, many believe she could become the first Welsh woman in decades to break into the world’s top 50. For now, though, all eyes are on Monday’s match—a moment Xu has been preparing for her entire life.
As she steps onto the hallowed grass of the All England Club, one thing is certain: Wales will be watching, and Mimi Xu is ready to make her mark. "I’ll leave everything out there," she promised. "Win or lose, I want to make my country proud."