Lulu Sun’s remarkable rise in the tennis world has captured attention at Wimbledon. The 123rd-ranked player, competing in her second Grand Slam, journeyed from the qualifiers to the quarterfinals, surprising even herself. Sun, 23, boasts a unique background: born in New Zealand to a Chinese mother and Croatian father, with a German-English stepfather. Her family lived in several countries, enriching her cultural tapestry before she embraced the University of Texas upon her mother’s recommendation.
This multi-lingual athlete, fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, had an unexpected detour in her tennis career due to injury, leading her to college. She demonstrated her prowess on the court by contributing to Texas’s NCAA championship victory. Sun’s love for Austin and the opportunities it provided fueled her determination, evident in her relentless performance at Wimbledon. Her journey from an injury-induced setback to competing at this elite level showcases her resilience and adaptability.
Her remarkable victories at Wimbledon include ousting Emma Raducanu in a notable Centre Court match and overcoming Qinwen Zheng. Sun’s success makes her the first women’s qualifier to reach the quarterfinals since 2010 and the first New Zealander to do so since 1983. She embraces her global heritage, representing her birth nation after years playing for Switzerland. In the quarterfinals, Sun faces seasoned tour veteran Donna Vekic, continuing to play bold, assertive tennis.
