Teenager Mimi Xu looks to a bright future after Wimbledon qualifying debut

Mimi Xu was pleased with her performance as the LTA’s double Junior Nationals champion made her debut at Wimbledon qualifying.

Still only 14, the big-hitting youngster who trains at the LTA’s National Academy in Loughborough that is offering a pro-style training environment for aspiring professional players, was eventually beaten 6-4 6-3 by American Hanna Chang.

Xu booked her place in qualifying for the main draw by winning the LTA’s 18 & Under Junior National Championships in April, while she was also crowned as 16 & Under Junior National champion in the same month.

Those successes put the teenager in the media spotlight, but she was pleased with the way she coped with the pressure as she played her first match in a Grand Slam qualifier.

“It probably wasn’t my best tennis but it was a step in the right direction so I’m happy with that,” said Xu after the match.

“It was about embracing it. I really enjoyed it. There were always going to be a few nerves in the process leading up to it, but you have to accept that you are going to be nervous and find ways to conquer that.”

Xu is one of many promising players emerging from the LTA’s National Academy set-up at Loughborough, led by lead coach Nick Cavaday and his team who provide a professional training environment for players aged between 13 and 18, giving them the best chance to move onto the LTA’s Pro Scholarship Programme and push into the top 100 of the world rankings.

That ambition is still some way in the distance for Xu, who is combining her school work with tennis in Loughborough and she is hopeful this experience will serve her well as she looks to move her career forward.

She continued: “I take a lot from this experience. I’m so thankful for the opportunity I’ve