Welsh tennis star Mimi Xu says her Wimbledon debut has “ignited the fire” within her after a memorable first-round clash with Emma Raducanu on one of the sport’s grandest stages. The 17-year-old from Swansea—awarded a wildcard—became the first Welsh player in 20 years to compete in Wimbledon’s women’s singles main draw.
00:00Welsh tennis star Mimi Zhu says her Wimbledon debut has ignited the fire within her after a memorable first round clash with Emma Raducanu on the sports grandest stage.
00:13The 17-year-old from Swansea awarded a wild card, became the first Welsh player in 20 years to compete in Wimbledon's women's singles main draw.
00:24A remarkable milestone for Welsh tennis, Zhu's participation marks renewed hope for a nation often overlooked at SW19 and highlights the potential for greater representation from Wales at elite levels of the game.
00:38I loved every single moment out there, she told BBC Sport Wales. It wasn't the dream debut because of course winning would have been that.
00:47But I couldn't have asked for more, playing a Grand Slam champion on a big court with that atmosphere. I didn't want it to stop.
00:56Zhu admitted she cried after the match, not from disappointment but overwhelmed by the experience.
01:01I just felt, oh my God, I've just done that. Born in Swansea, two Chinese parents, Zhu has been one of Britain's standout junior talents.
01:11A stellar grass court season included wins at Birmingham, Nottingham and Ilke.
01:16I've come so far from the last year, she said. My good stuff is really good. I think my game's there. It's just about cleaning things up and fine tuning.
01:25This year marks the first time in 20 years that a Welsh player has appeared in the senior singles main draw.
01:34And three Welsh athletes, Zhu, James Storey and Felix Bohocaman-Evans are competing across various draws, a testament to the growing infrastructure and investment in Welsh tennis.
01:46Zhu now hopes her journey can inspire the next generation of Welsh talent.
01:52She's one of several to make waves following former Rebecca Lewin, who reached the Wimbledon singles draw back in 2005.
02:03Next, Zhu will partner fellow Brit Ella Macdonald in the women's doubles.
02:07Another chance to shine and keep Welsh tennis firmly within the spotlight.
