Mimi Xu, the 18-year-old tennis prodigy from Swansea, is set to take on Daria Kasatkina in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday. Ranked 327th in the world, Xu received a wildcard entry and is aiming to reach the second round for the first time in her career.
Xu's Journey to SW19
Last year, Xu faced fellow British star Emma Raducanu in the opening round, performing admirably before losing in straight sets to the former US Open champion. This year, she faces an even tougher challenge in Kasatkina, a one-time French Open semi-finalist currently ranked 68th in the world. Despite the odds, Xu remains undaunted.
“Pressure is a privilege,” Xu told the BBC. “I think it’s just going to carry me through each match. Each tough moment I face it will get me through because the support I’ve received is absolutely amazing. I’ve got so many people backing me, especially in Swansea. All of my friends, family, past coaches, everyone has been sending their support which I’m extremely grateful for. If I didn’t have any of them in my journey I wouldn’t be here today.”
Welsh Pride and Rising Stature
Xu is the only Welsh player in the main draw for the second consecutive year. Her growing reputation in the sport was recognised in February when she was named Tennis Wales’ Player of the Year. Now, her focus is on the challenge posed by Kasatkina.
“She’s a really skilful player and so many strengths,” added Xu. “It’s going to be a tough match but I’m training better every day. So I’m just ready to go out there and fight for each point.”
Raducanu's Injury Concerns
Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu is battling fitness issues ahead of her campaign. The British number one cut short a practice session and cancelled a scheduled press conference, raising doubts about her participation. Raducanu was seen wearing a protective boot on Wednesday and did not train on Thursday or Friday. On Saturday, she practiced for two hours with strapping on her right ankle and lower leg, but struggled during points against Anna Kalinskaya, ending the session early.
Raducanu had been due to speak to the media on Saturday afternoon but postponed until Sunday. There is serious concern whether the 23-year-old will be able to play her first-round match against Antonia Ruzic. A withdrawal would be the latest setback in a stop-start season, having missed two-and-a-half months due to a post-viral illness in the spring.
Katie Boulter, who played doubles with Raducanu at Queen’s Club, expressed empathy. “It’s awful to see,” said Boulter. “I can relate to her in many, many ways. I completely trust her and her team will make the right decision no matter what. I think that’s something that she’s always been really good at. I think, in the moment, she will know what’s best for her. Obviously, I don’t want to ever see a British player come out of their home slam. I’ve been there, done that, don’t want to see it. It’s not a nice feeling for anyone. I hope she’s absolutely fine. I really do. And if she’s not, she’s going to be here another 10 years, so she’s going to have every single year to play. I’m always right behind Emma.”
