Expectation a privilege for Wales tennis star Xu

As far as breakthrough seasons go, Mimi Xu set the bar high in 2025.

The Swansea-born teenager made her Grand Slam debut against Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon and claimed her biggest career title at the Lexus Wrexham Open.

Xu also notched up notable wins at the Birmingham, Ilkley and Nottingham Opens, which paved the way for her SW19 wildcard.

Now with the grasscourt season under way for 2026, Xu is hopeful her second senior year will be just as memorable.

“Last year gave me a lot of confidence and valuable experience,” said the 18-year-old.

“This year isn’t really about trying to repeat specific results; it’s about continuing to improve as a player, developing for the future and learning from every opportunity.”

Asked if she felt more pressure, Xu said: “Expectations naturally change after a good season, but I’ve learned to focus on the process rather than the outcome.

“I see it as a privilege to have those expectations because it means people believe in what I’m capable of achieving.”

Injury setbacks and gaining perspective

Perhaps Xu’s biggest achievement this year is coming back from injury in time to play on the grass.

“Looking back to where I was four months ago and where I am now, I think that in itself is something I should be proud of,” said Xu.

“It also helps put into perspective how lucky I am every time I’m able to step out onto the tennis court and play.

“[Being injured] was definitely challenging because I love competing and being on court.

“At the same time, it gave me an opportunity to work on other areas of my game and my physical preparation. It taught me patience and helped me appreciate being healthy and able to compete.”

Xu began her season by playing in the qualifiers at Birmingham, beating number seven seed Kayla Cross 6-3 5-7 6-0 before losing 7-6 6-1 to Tereza Martincoa in the second round.

Edgbaston Priory Club proved a happy hunting ground for Xu last year, where she beat top seed Alycia Parks 6-1, 7-6 on her way to the quarter-finals.

“Grass is a surface I really enjoy, and I think my game really suits it, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and testing myself and most importantly enjoying every moment,” said Xu.

This summer also brings the HSBC Championships at Queen’s, where one of Xu’s childhood heroes Serena Williams will make her competitive comeback.

Xu is likely to play in qualifiers at Ilkley, Nottingham, Eastbourne and Roehampton, but the postcode she would truly love to return to is SW19.

“Wimbledon is a very special tournament and one every British player dreams of competing in,” she said.

“Right now my focus is on preparing well, staying healthy, and taking things one match at a time. If I do that, hopefully the opportunities will come.”

Last year Xu was awarded a wildcard to play at the All England Club, but this year she may have to work her way through qualifying, something she got a taste of at just 14 years old.

“Last year was an unforgettable experience. Making my Wimbledon debut was something I had dreamed about for a very long time,” she said.

“The atmosphere, the occasion and the support I felt was incredible. To return to SW19 would mean a lot, and hopefully I can use last year’s experience to feel even more comfortable if I get that opportunity again.”