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5 hours ago
After winning the biggest title of her career, newly crowned Wrexham Open champion Mimi Xu has her sights set on the ultimate tennis goal.
The 18-year-old from Swansea told Radio Wales Breakfast she wants to emulate her hero Serena Williams by winning a Grand Slam and becoming world number one.
“I believe in myself, I believe in the work that I put in every day,” Xu said.
“I’ve been developing myself and my game – my confidence will build as well – I do see myself there some day.”
Xu’s W100 title at the weekend capped a remarkable breakthrough year on the ladies senior tour which makes her dream seem all the more possible.
Xu has enjoyed notable wins at tournaments in Birmingham, Ilkley and Nottingham which earned her a wildcard to become the first Welsh player to enter the main singles draw at Wimbledon in almost 20 years.
She was met by fellow Brit and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the first round on a packed-out Court One.
Despite losing 6-3 6-3, Xu showed composure and talent and also enjoyed a good run in the ladies doubles with Ella McDonald, who she won the doubles title with at Wrexham as well.
“I’ve had so many amazing experiences this year, a lot of firsts. Wimbledon was an absolute dream and then to win singles and doubles in Wrexham – and with international tennis coming back to Wales after a long time – I don’t think I could have asked for anything else,” she said.
‘It means so much’
The Wrexham double represented a “full circle moment” in Xu’s young career.
“I remember winning my first tournament in Wrexham when I was in eight and under in Welsh Champions and to yesterday get my biggest title, it honestly means so much to me,” she said.
Xu started last week with a WTA singles ranking of 309 which has now risen to a career-high of 269.
“I haven’t looked too much at the rankings if I’m being completely honest, but I feel like I competed really well last week and played each match as it came. I’m just so happy with the result.”
There will be no rest for Xu as she heads to compete at the W75 Glasgow this week.
Now that she has turned 18 there are no restrictions on the amount of tournaments she can play.
“I really enjoy playing the sport, I’m really lucky that this is now my job and it’s amazing I can do that,” Xu added.
