The Rise of Joanna Garland

As the tennis world gears up for Wimbledon, the spotlight often shines on British players. However, one rising star has chosen a different path. Joanna Garland, a 23-year-old from Stevenage, has become Taiwan's top female tennis player, showcasing her talent on the global stage.

A Strong Connection to Taiwan

Garland's journey to the top is deeply rooted in her connection to Taiwan. Her family moved there during her childhood, and her mother is from the East Asian country. This bond has been a driving force in her career.

"There was a period when I was questioning it," Garland told BBC Look East. "I was getting close to Grand Slam qualifiers, a potential wildcard for Wimbledon, and I was torn about what to do. But playing for Taiwan is why I have had success. It was my childhood, and some of the most important years of my life were in Taiwan. I have a strong connection to the people, the coaches, and they were a big part of my life. I owe it to them."

Early Beginnings and Challenges

Garland's tennis journey began at the age of four, coached by her father, John, a professional coach. She reached a career high of 14 as a junior and turned professional in 2019. Since she was 14, she has been traveling to tournaments by herself, booking flights, and organizing her own schedule.

"I'm quite good at organizing myself," she said. "My mum, dad, and grandmother have been so supportive. They never said no to anything that could have helped me – such as playing a tournament in Malaysia on my own. They backed me but they don't come and watch."

Life on tour can be grueling, with accommodations far from glamorous. "You don't get picked up from the airport, free meals, or five-star hotels," Garland added. "The practice balls are dog balls. You question if you are capable. I remember some of the dorms I stayed in, there were cockroaches and mosquitos, I don't think I slept."

Making Her Grand Slam Debut

Garland's early years on tour were marred by injuries, with her ranking falling to 551 at the end of last year. However, 2025 has been her best year yet. Her Women's Tennis Association (WTA) ranking has risen to 144, thanks to winning four International Tennis Federation (ITF) W35 tournaments in Kenya and Italy.

She is coached full-time in the Netherlands by Tim de Rooij and qualified for her first Grand Slam at the French Open last month, winning her first-round match against Katie Volynets from the United States.

"I got a horrendous cold after qualifying at the French Open," said Garland. "I was in bed for three days. I didn't practice and I got no sleep. I was 3-0 down in the third set and somehow I won it 6-4. I just thought 'how on earth have I pulled this off?'

Her phone was inundated with messages from Taiwan. "It was pretty overwhelming," she added. "I called my mum to tell her, and she said her phone had gone mad too."

Garland was beaten by 32nd seed Julia Putintseva in round two but then backed up her run at Roland Garros by qualifying for her first WTA tournament at s'Hertogenbosch, in the Netherlands, losing to Canada's Bianca Andreescu in the first round.

Preparing for Wimbledon

Garland now prepares to qualify for Wimbledon this week for the first time. "I am in a good place and quite excited about the next few weeks," she said. "I am nervous. There's pressure because of Roland Garros, but if I can play my best tennis, I do think I can do it. Reaching Wimbledon would be something else."

Joanna Garland's journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication. As she aims for Wimbledon, the tennis world watches with anticipation, eager to see how far this talented player can go.