SecondUntil Emma Raducanu wins the U.S. Open in 2021, the idea that someone could win three matches to qualify for a Grand Slam main draw and then take it all the way seems preposterous, if not absurd. strangeness. That lightning might strike twice, in the name of Lulu Sun, a woman few had even heard of in the tennis world before this week, seemed almost crazy.
But it’s possible. The 23-year-old Sun, ranked 123rd, shocked No. 8 seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round, and then on Sunday, she made a stunning performance on Center Court with a left-handed forehand to crush Raducanu to reach Wimbledon for the first time. The quarter-final hopeful stepped into the corner to replace her in the quarter-finals.
It is worth noting that Sun and Raducanu have similar backgrounds. Born in New Zealand to a Chinese mother and a Croatian father, the family moved first to Shanghai and then to Switzerland because they wanted their daughter to receive a good education. She grew up in Geneva and played junior tennis for Switzerland before transferring back to New Zealand in 2018 before heading to the University of Texas at Austin to study political science. She speaks three languages - English, Mandarin and French – and is learning Korean because she thinks it might help her learn Japanese at some stage. Not your ordinary tennis player. Oh, and her stepfather is from Devon.
“The Chinese, obviously from my mother’s side, are very disciplined and hard-working,” she said. “From my dad’s perspective, he’s from the seaside, so very laid back and calm. I think it’s a good combination. I think I get that energy and competitiveness from my mom. So the Swiss side is neutral. [making a calming gesture] Then from New Zealand I discovered my adventurous side. I’m really happy to have so many cultures and backgrounds with me, even though sometimes I’m not, like I said before, 100% [fluent] in every one. it’s out of the question. I’m really grateful to be able to at least have some.
To be fair, few saw this coming. This is not the case for Sun Yang herself. She has never participated in the main draw here before and only made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open this year. And certainly not New Zealand TV, who had to act quickly and schedule her fight to be broadcast only after she reached the third round.
Sun’s multicultural background meant she could have chosen to play for any country, but she was born in a small town in Te Anau on New Zealand’s South Island and felt a natural attraction, much to the dismay of the Swiss, who desperately It takes Roger Federer to retire and Stan Wawrinka, whose career is coming to an end, to become a rising star.
Sun said it was a difficult choice, but one she’s glad she made. “I grew up a little bit in New Zealand, I was born there and my family is still there,” she said. “I also grew up in Switzerland. Both countries are dear to me. It was not an easy decision because it is never an easy decision when you have to choose between two things. Even now I am grateful for everything Swiss Tennis have done in my junior career and I am also grateful to Tennis New Zealand for their support and everything they have done so far.
“I think (reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals) is an important step because it brings inspiration and gives something for all the players in New Zealand to learn from – not just for myself but for the whole country. , as the tennis world.
This campaign will also change the trajectory of Sun Yang’s career. Reaching the quarter-finals means she will rise to around 53rd in the rankings – and will move into the world’s top 40 if she beats Donna Vickery – while she is guaranteed to take home £375,000, allowing The prize money for the final eight dwarfed the $313,832 she has achieved so far in her career.
Sun is the first New Zealand woman to reach the quarter-finals and the first New Zealander to reach the quarter-finals since Chris Lewis, who defeated John McEnroe in 1983 Won second place.
“Vekic is obviously an experienced player, she’s been on tour for a long time, so I’ll be as prepared as possible,” she said. “Obviously we have a day off tomorrow. I’ll try to get back into top shape and then watch some games and do some practice and give it my all the next day.
