The 18‑year‑old enjoyed a standout 2025, becoming the first Welsh player in almost two decades to reach the main singles draw at Wimbledon — a moment that featured in one of Swansea Bay News’ most‑read tennis stories when she made Wimbledon history for Wales.
Her year also included a career‑best title run at the Lexus Wrexham Open, where she lifted the trophy before telling us she wanted to become world number one in our piece Wrexham champion Xu wants to be world number one.
Xu’s consistency across the British grass swing — with strong results in Birmingham, Ilkley and Nottingham — helped secure her SW19 wildcard and earned her the Tennis Wales Player of the Year award earlier this season.
Now, as the 2026 grasscourt campaign gets underway, Xu says her focus is on development rather than chasing last year’s results.
“Last season gave me a huge amount of belief and experience,” she said.
“This year is about improving my game, learning from every match and continuing to grow.”
Xu admits expectations have changed after her breakthrough, but says she has learned to embrace them.
“People naturally expect more after a good season, but I try to focus on the process rather than the outcome,” she said. “Having expectations means people believe in what I can achieve, and that’s something I’m grateful for.”
Her preparations for the summer have also been shaped by a return from injury, with Xu saying that simply being back on court is an achievement in itself.
“Four months ago I wasn’t sure how quickly I’d recover, so being here now is something I’m proud of,” she said. “It reminded me how lucky I am every time I get to compete. The injury was tough, but it gave me time to work on other areas of my game and taught me patience.”
Xu opened her 2026 season in Birmingham qualifying, beating seventh seed Kayla Cross before losing to Tereza Martincová in the second round. The Edgbaston Priory Club has been a strong venue for the Welsh teenager — last year she stunned top seed Alycia Parks on her way to the quarter‑finals.
Grass remains her favourite surface. “I love playing on grass and feel my game really suits it. I’m excited to get out there, test myself and enjoy every moment.”
This summer also brings the HSBC Championships at Queen’s, where one of Xu’s childhood idols, Serena Williams, is set to make her competitive return.
Xu is expected to feature in qualifying events at Ilkley, Nottingham, Eastbourne and Roehampton, but the postcode she most hopes to revisit is SW19.
“Wimbledon is incredibly special. Every British player dreams of competing there,” she said.
“My focus is on staying healthy and preparing well. If I do that, the opportunities will come.”
Xu made her Wimbledon debut last year after receiving a wildcard, but this time she may need to battle through qualifying — something she first experienced at just 14.
“Last year was unforgettable. Walking out at Wimbledon was something I’d dreamed about for so long,” she said.
“The atmosphere and support were amazing. Going back would mean a lot, and I hope last year’s experience helps me feel even more comfortable if I get that chance again.”
