Wimbledon, England – Lulu Sun, the 123rd-ranked tennis player making waves at Wimbledon, has a fascinating journey that has captivated the tennis world. Competing in only her second Grand Slam main draw, Sun’s rise from the qualifying tournament to a quarterfinal berth at Wimbledon has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past two weeks, Sun’s unexpected run has surprised many in the tennis community, with the women’s tournament at Wimbledon being filled with upsets and surprises.
Born in a small town in New Zealand to a Chinese mother and Croatian father, Sun’s diverse upbringing also includes influences from her stepfather, who is of German-English descent. After relocating to Shanghai and later Geneva, Sun found herself at the University of Texas, a decision influenced by her mother’s insistence on pursuing academic education. Despite initially intending to turn pro without attending university, Sun’s injury and her mother’s encouragement led her to the University of Texas.
During her time at the University of Texas, Sun’s talent on the tennis court flourished, culminating in a successful season that helped the team win an NCAA championship. Sun’s affinity for Austin, Texas, grew as she compared it to another institution where she had played a tournament, ultimately solidifying her decision to attend the university. Today, Sun reflects on her journey from university tennis to the highest ranks of professional tennis with humility and determination.
Sun’s remarkable achievements at Wimbledon include becoming the first women’s qualifier to reach the quarterfinals since 2010 and the first woman from New Zealand to do so. Despite the challenges and setbacks she faced on her path to success, Sun’s resilience and determination have propelled her to new heights in the tennis world. As she prepares to face tour veteran Donna Vekic in the quarterfinals, Sun remains focused and ready to showcase her exceptional talent on the grand stage of Wimbledon.