Welsh teenager Mimi Xu will compete in the first round of the women's singles at Wimbledon on Monday, June 29, 2026, after receiving a main draw wildcard for the second consecutive year.
The 18-year-old Swansea native, ranked 327th in the world, is scheduled to play Australia's Daria Kasatkina, the world number 68 and a former French Open semi-finalist.
Xu entered the Grand Slam tournament as a wildcard last year, where she suffered a straight-sets defeat against fellow British player Emma Raducanu before winning the singles and doubles titles at the Wrexham Open in October.
Xu Embraces Local Support
"Pressure is a privilege," said Xu, who was named Tennis Wales' player of the year in February.
The teenager noted that the local support from her hometown will help motivate her through the difficult moments of her upcoming matches.
"I think it's just going to carry me through each match.
Each tough moment I face it will get me through because the support I've received is absolutely amazing," said Xu.
Xu expressed gratitude for her friends, family, and past coaches, stating she would not be where she is today without them.
"It's an honour for me and I've got so many people backing me, especially in Swansea," added Xu.
The player described the north Wales tournament crowd as amazing and stated she remains fit and healthy despite encountering recent injury problems.
"All of my friends, family, past coaches, everyone has been sending their support which I'm extremely grateful for.
If I didn't have any of them in my journey I wouldn't be here today," said Xu.
Xu also mentioned her excitement about the draw and acknowledged the skills and strengths of her 29-year-old opponent, who achieved a career-best world ranking of eighth in 2022.
"I was really excited (when hearing the draw). She's a really skillful player and so many strengths.
It's going to be a tough match but I'm training better every day. So I'm just ready to go out there and fight for each point," Xu added.
In addition to singles, Xu and her partner Alicia Dudeney received a wildcard for the women's doubles draw against 2023 French Open champions Hsieh Su-Wei and Wang Xinyu.
Raducanu Injury Concern
Meanwhile, British number one Emma Raducanu faced a new injury scare on Saturday after cutting short her practice session with Russia's Anna Kalinskaya and postponing a scheduled press conference until Sunday.
Raducanu, who missed two-and-a-half months due to a post-viral illness earlier this year, was seen wearing a protective boot and showed physical discomfort during her session before her scheduled match against Croatia's Antonia Ruzic.
"It's awful to see," said Katie Boulter, who played doubles with Raducanu at Queen's Club.
Boulter added that she trusts Raducanu's team to make the best decision regarding her physical fitness and participation in the home Grand Slam tournament.
"I can relate to her in many, many ways," said Boulter.
Boulter emphasized that she does not want to see a British player withdraw from Wimbledon but noted that Raducanu has many future years left to compete.
"I completely trust her and her team will make the right decision no matter what," said Boulter.
Boulter further explained her perspective as a fellow competitor who has experienced similar circumstances.
"I think that's something that she's always been really good at. I think, in the moment, she will know what's best for her," said Boulter.
Boulter concluded by expressing hope for Raducanu's recovery ahead of the upcoming tournament events.
"Obviously, I don't want to ever see a British player come out of their home slam. I've been there, done that, don't want to see it.
It's not a nice feeling for anyone," said Boulter.
"I hope she's absolutely fine. I really do.
And if she's not, she's going to be here another 10 years, so she's going to have every single year to play," said Boulter.
