Seventeen-year-old Mimi Xu has quickly become a name to watch in British tennis, capturing attention with her spirited performances and rapid rise through the ranks. This summer, Xu made her senior Wimbledon debut, marking a significant milestone not just for herself, but for Welsh tennis, as she became the first player from Wales to feature in the main singles draw at SW19 in two decades.
Early Beginnings in Swansea
Born in Swansea to Chinese parents, Mingge Olivia “Mimi” Xu started her tennis journey at the local Swansea Tennis and Squash Club. Her early promise was clear to coaches, who noted her exceptional hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and focus even as a young child. After excelling at local and regional levels, Xu moved to the National Tennis Academy in Loughborough, where she trained under a world-class team and later continued her development at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.
Xu’s dedication paid off quickly. She became the youngest ever player to enter Junior Wimbledon last year, and her junior career has been marked by standout achievements, including winning both the Lexus Junior National Championships 16U and 18U titles at just 14 years old.
Junior Success and Transition to the Pro Circuit
Xu’s junior career has been nothing short of impressive. She reached a career-high ITF junior ranking of world No. 8, claimed two J300 titles, and made a semi-final run at the US Open juniors. In 2023, she finished as runner-up in the Wimbledon girls’ doubles, a testament to her versatility and competitive spirit. Her performances have drawn praise from coaches and tennis officials, with many highlighting her ability to absorb new information and her relentless work ethic.
Transitioning to the professional circuit, Xu has already made significant strides. She broke into the WTA top 350, reaching a career-high singles ranking of No. 318 in June 2025. Her 2024-25 season has seen her notch up wins at the Birmingham, Ilkley, and Nottingham Open events, including a standout victory over top seed Alycia Parks at the Lexus Birmingham Open—her first win over a top-100 player. Xu also lifted her maiden ITF W35 trophy in Aldershot and reached quarter-finals at tournaments in Kyoto and Nottingham.
Wimbledon Debut: A New Chapter
Xu’s senior Wimbledon debut was a landmark moment for Welsh tennis. Drawn against British No. 1 Emma Raducanu in the first round, Xu faced a daunting challenge on one of tennis’s grandest stages. Despite nerves and the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd, Xu showed flashes of her potential, pushing Raducanu during a 6-3, 6-3 defeat. Her powerful forehand, easy power, and willingness to mix up play drew praise from commentators and the crowd alike.
After the match, Xu described the experience as “incredible,” saying she “cherished every moment” on court, even if the result wasn’t what she had dreamed of. The crowd’s support and the chance to compete against a Grand Slam champion left her emotional and determined to return stronger. “I’ve progressed so much since last year. While there’s a clear distinction in our games, I genuinely believe I can reach that level,” she told BBC Sport Wales.
Making Wales Proud
Xu’s Wimbledon appearance resonated deeply in Wales, with her former coaches and local supporters rallying behind her. David Williams, her first coach at Swansea Tennis and Squash Club, recalled her early promise and praised her determination and professionalism, even as a child. Simon Johnson, CEO of Tennis Wales, called her achievements “incredible,” noting that Xu’s journey shows how talent can flourish from grassroots clubs to the international stage.
Xu herself has spoken of her pride in representing Wales, saying, “I truly hope to make Wales proud. Having spent 13 years in Swansea, it feels wonderful to represent them as well”. Her story is inspiring a new generation of Welsh players, with local clubs reporting increased interest from young children eager to follow in her footsteps.
The Road Ahead: Learning and Ambition
Xu’s attitude towards competition and growth stands out. She has repeatedly emphasised the importance of learning from every match, regardless of the outcome. “Whether I win or lose, these matches, the flow of the matches and being able to compete against top players – I’ll learn a lot from it. It’s such a great experience, if I play my game, the ranking will come automatically,” she said after her Birmingham Open win.
Her coaches and mentors believe Xu has the potential to break further into the top ranks of women’s tennis. Katie O’Brien, a former British No. 1 and now LTA Women’s National Coach, praised the high standard of Xu’s play and her ability to rise to the occasion. With her work ethic, technical skills, and mental resilience, Xu is well-placed to build on her early successes.
Conclusion
Mimi Xu’s Wimbledon debut has put her firmly on the radar of British tennis fans. As she continues her transition from junior to professional tennis, her journey embodies the values of hard work, humility, and ambition. With the support of her family, coaches, and the Welsh tennis community, Xu is poised to become one of the leading lights of British tennis in the years to come. Her story is a reminder that the next generation of stars can come from anywhere—and that with talent and determination, the biggest stages are within reach.
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