WREXHAM, Wales — In a display of composure and skill that belied her years, Welsh teenage sensation Mimi Xu has stormed into the final of the Wrexham Open, securing her place with a commanding straight-sets victory over fellow Brit Lily Miyazaki in a gripping all-British semi-final clash.
The 16-year-old from Cardiff, playing with the fervent support of a home crowd, triumphed 6-4, 6-3, showcasing a potent mix of powerful groundstrokes and tactical intelligence that proved too much for her more experienced opponent. Xu's victory sets up a final showdown against the tournament's second seed, Amarissa Kiara Tjandramulia of Australia, who advanced after her opponent, Valentina Stojsavljevic, retired from their match due to injury.
A Battle of Brits on the Welsh Turf
The semi-final was a testament to the growing depth of British women's tennis, pitting the veteran Miyazaki, aged 27 and ranked world No. 217, against the rising star Xu, currently ranked No. 768. From the outset, the match was a contrast in styles. Miyazaki relied on her consistency and experience, while Xu unleashed a fearless, aggressive brand of tennis. The first set was a tight affair, with both players holding serve until the tenth game, where Xu capitalized on a string of errors from Miyazaki to break and seize the set.
Reflecting on the high-pressure encounter, Xu expressed her delight and relief: "Playing against Lily is always tough. She's a great player and she makes you work for every single point. I knew I had to be aggressive and take my chances when they came. The crowd here in Wrexham has been unbelievable; their support really pushed me over the line in those key moments."
The second set saw Xu grow in confidence, her powerful forehand doing significant damage. She secured an early break and never looked back, closing out the match with a stunning cross-court winner. The victory marks a significant milestone in Xu's young career, representing her first final at the ITF World Tennis Tour W25 level, the proving ground for the sport's next generation.
The Path to the Final
Xu's journey to the final has been nothing short of impressive, demonstrating her resilience and skill against a series of seasoned opponents. Her run through the draw has been a statement of intent, signaling her readiness to compete at a higher level. Her path included victories over:
- First Round: A dominant win over qualifier Eliz Maloney (6-2, 6-1).
- Second Round: A hard-fought battle against fifth seed Emily Appleton (7-5, 6-3).
- Quarter-Final: A comprehensive dismissal of Isabelle Lacy (6-1, 6-2).
- Semi-Final: The victory over compatriot Lily Miyazaki (6-4, 6-3).
This consistent performance across different styles of play highlights Xu's all-court development and mental fortitude. Her coach has been vocal about the work they have put in, and it is clearly paying dividends on the court. Each match has seen her improve her first-serve percentage and reduce unforced errors, key metrics for any player looking to make the jump to the WTA Tour.
A Final Against a Formidable Opponent
Awaiting Xu in the final is a unique challenge. Her scheduled opponent, Australian Amarissa Kiara Tjandramulia, was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to the injury she sustained in her semi-final. Consequently, Valentina Stojsavljevic, who was trailing in that match when Tjandramulia retired, will take her place in the final. This presents a different dynamic, as Stojsavljevic will be eager to prove her worth after a semi-final that ended prematurely.
Stojsavljevic, a 23-year-old British player of Serbian heritage, is known for her gritty determination and powerful baseline game. While she will be physically fresher than Xu, having played less than a full match, she will also have to overcome the psychological hurdle of entering the final in an unconventional manner. Xu, however, is not taking anything for granted. "Valentina is a tough competitor," Xu noted. "I have to prepare for another battle and focus on my own game plan."
What to Expect in the Championship Match
The final promises to be a fascinating contest of power versus persistence. Xu's game is built around her aggressive shot-making, particularly her forehand, which she uses to dictate rallies and push opponents off the court. Stojsavljevic, conversely, is a counter-puncher who excels at retrieving balls and extending points, forcing her opponents to hit one more shot. The key for Xu will be to maintain her aggressive tempo without falling into a pattern of unforced errors, while Stojsavljevic will look to disrupt Xu's rhythm and exploit any signs of nerves.
The local support will undoubtedly be a factor. The Wrexham crowd has adopted Xu as one of their own, and their energy could provide the crucial extra boost needed in what will likely be a physically and mentally draining match. The atmosphere at the North Wales Tennis Centre is expected to be electric, a fitting backdrop for the biggest match of Xu's young career to date.
A Springboard for the Future
Regardless of the final outcome, Xu's performance this week in Wrexham is a monumental step forward. Reaching a final at this level provides invaluable experience and a significant boost to her WTA ranking, which will open doors to more prestigious tournaments. It also serves as a powerful statement to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the wider tennis community that Wales has a genuine talent on its hands, one capable of making waves on the professional circuit.
An LTA spokesperson commented on Xu's progress, stating: "Mimi is a fantastic example of the emerging talent we have in Great Britain. Her run in Wrexham is a credit to her hard work and dedication. We are incredibly excited to see how her career develops and will continue to support her journey every step of the way."
For British tennis fans, the success of both Xu and Stojsavljevic this week is a cause for celebration. It underscores the health of the women's game in the country beyond the established stars, revealing a pipeline of players ready to challenge for honors. The Wrexham Open has provided the perfect platform for these athletes to showcase their skills and gain the confidence needed to compete on the global stage.
The final, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, is more than just a match for a trophy; it is a glimpse into the future of British tennis. Mimi Xu carries not only her own ambitions but also the hopes of a nation eager for a new tennis heroine. As she steps onto the court for the biggest match of her life, one thing is certain: the tennis world will be watching closely, witnessing the potential dawn of a stellar career.