Welsh Tennis Hopeful Mimi Xu Reflects on Breakthrough Season

Mimi Xu, the first Welsh player to enter the main singles draw at Wimbledon in nearly two decades, is looking forward to her second senior tennis season after a remarkable 2025. The Swansea native made her Grand Slam debut against Emma Raducanu and secured her most significant title at the Lexus Wrexham Open, alongside impressive performances at the Birmingham, Ilkley, and Nottingham Opens.

As the grass court season kicks off for 2026, the 18-year-old Xu expressed her aspirations for continued growth. "Last year gave me a lot of confidence and valuable experience," she stated. "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."

When asked about the increased expectations following her success, Xu acknowledged the pressure but emphasized her focus on the journey rather than the results. "I see it as a privilege to have those expectations because it means people believe in what I'm capable of achieving," she remarked.

One of Xu's significant accomplishments this year is her return from injury, which she believes has provided her with a new perspective. "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," she said. She also noted how the injury allowed her to refine her skills and appreciate the chance to compete again.

Xu is eager to showcase her abilities on grass, a surface she enjoys. Reflecting on her previous successes at Edgbaston Priory Club, she shared, "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." With tournaments like the HSBC Championships at Queen's approaching, where she hopes to see her idol Serena Williams return, Xu's sights are set on qualifying for Wimbledon again, a dream she has cherished since childhood. "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," she concluded.