Mimi Xu, the 17-year-old tennis sensation from Swansea, is set to make her senior Wimbledon debut on Monday, July 1, 2025, facing British number one Emma Raducanu in the first round. This match marks a significant milestone for Xu, who is the first Welsh player to enter the Wimbledon main singles draw in 20 years.

A Breakthrough Season

Xu has had a remarkable season on the women's circuit, with notable victories at the Birmingham, Ilkley, and Nottingham Open events. Her career-best win came against American top seed Alycia Parks, propelling her to a career-high ranking of 318th in the world.

The Big Match

Facing Raducanu, a US Open champion, Xu is undeterred. "I've got nothing to lose in a match-up like that," she said. "I think I can really go out there and play freely and show everyone what I can do." Her former coach, David Williams, believes Xu has the potential to cause a major upset if she can manage her nerves.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Xu's journey from Swansea Tennis and Squash Club to the LTA National Tennis Centre in Roehampton is an inspiration to young Welsh players. Her success underscores the talent and infrastructure within Welsh tennis, paving the way for future stars.

Doubles Ambitions

In addition to her singles debut, Xu will compete in the doubles event with fellow Briton Ella McDonald, further showcasing her versatility and determination on the court.

A Proud Moment for Wales

Xu's participation at Wimbledon is a proud moment for Wales, as she carries the hopes of the nation on her young shoulders. "I really hope that I'm making Wales proud," she said. "I was in Swansea for 13 years so it's really nice to be doing it for them as well."

Stay tuned for live coverage of Wimbledon 2025 across BBC TV, radio, and online, with extensive updates on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, Connected TVs, and the mobile app.