Mimi Xu Breaks Into Top 10 in World Junior ITF Tennis Rankings

By David Williams

Welsh tennis prodigy Mimi Xu said she is “incredibly proud and humbled” after she broke into the top 10 world junior ITF tennis rankings.

The 16-year-old, who was born in Swansea, has taken the junior competitions by storm, and is now in line to compete in this year’s qualifying events at Wimbledon this July in both Junior and Women’s events.

“I am incredibly proud and humbled to reach the top 10 in the ITF junior world rankings,” said Xu.

“This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication that my team and I have put into my development. “

“I am excited for what the future holds and will continue to strive for excellence in my career.”

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2024 has proven to be a very successful year of Xu so far, reaching the girls doubles quarter finals in the French Open, as well as claiming her first title in the girls doubles in Monastir, Tunisia with Slovakian teammate Radna Zelnickova.

“Mimi’s achievement is a testament to her incredible talent and relentless hard work.” Said head of performance at Tennis Wales Chris Lewis.

She is an inspiration to aspiring tennis players across the country, and we look forward to supporting her as she competes this summer in the grass court season.”

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Next month will mark one year since Xu won the 18U GB nationals, speaking about it, she said:

“The biggest and my favourite experience so far has to be winning the 18U GB Nationals, and earning a Wimbledon qualifying wildcard for women’s.”

“I believe as long as I put 110% into anything that I do the results will eventually come,” said Xu

“Another memorable moment was playing my first abroad tournament without my parents at 11 years old.”

“I went to play the Top 11/12 in Bressuire, France and at the time it was the longest I’d ever been away from home, and the first time I’d been abroad for a tournament.”

“I was extremely homesick, however I ended up winning both singles and doubles. I learnt so much about myself and tennis on an international level on that trip.”

“Anytime I go out onto the court I want to leave the court without any regrets as I then know I have tried my absolute best, which gives me confidence in myself.”

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Mimi’s rapid rise into the top 10 is a story that everyone loves to see, someone who is still in high school living out her dream and competing at the highest level in her age group.

Who knows what the future holds in her career.

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