Xu embracing weight of Wimbledon expectation

Mimi Xu hails from Swansea [Getty Images]

Mimi Xu has insisted she won't be hindered by the weight of expectation when she steps out onto the grass at Wimbledon on Monday.

Xu, 18, was thrown into the limelight at SW19 last year when she was given a wildcard entry to her first Grand Slam tournament.

Fate saw her drawn against fellow British star Emma Raducanu and despite a valiant defeat, the Swansea-born teenager showed enough potential to ensure the watching world took note.

This time around, Xu will not enjoy the luxury of being relatively unknown - and nor will her task be any easier.

She has drawn Australian player Daria Kasatkina who at number 68 in the WTA rankings - sits some 259 places above the teenager.

Wales' Xu to face Kasatkina in Wimbledon opener

Expectation a privilege for Wales tennis star Xu

Xu however, is not about to fret her return to tennis' biggest stage.

"Pressure is a privilege," said Xu.

"I think it's just going to carry me through each match every. Each tough moment I face it will get me through because the support I've received is absolutely amazing."

Xu, named Tennis Wales' player of the year in February, will be carrying the weight of a nation. In 2025, she became her country's first representative in a Wimbledon main draw for 20 years, and is relishing the chance to fly the flag again.

"It's an honour for me and I've got so many people backing me, especially in Swansea," she added.

"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."

'It feels amazing'

Indeed, Xu's rising popularity was underlined at the Wrexham Open last October, winning both the singles and doubles titles amid notable crowd popularity.

"Even though it was north Wales and I'm from south Wales the support I received was absolutely amazing. It got me through some tight moments and matches. It feels amazing to have such a group of people behind you," she said.

Insisting she is "fit and healthy" after recent injury problems, the prospect of facing former French Open semi-finalist Kasatkina does not faze her. But nor is she getting herself, a sensible approach given world number one Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka are just two of the big names in her side of the draw.

"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.

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