“I don’t think it’s surprising” – Sun on Wimbledon success
New Zealand’s Lulu Sun has been the story of Wimbledon so far, surprising everyone with her run from qualifying through to the quarter-finals of the women’s singles event. Everyone except for herself, that is. “I don’t think it’s surprising,” said Sun after defeating Britain’s Emma Raducanu 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 on Sunday evening in London. “In … Continued
AP/Panoramic
New Zealand’s Lulu Sun has been the story of Wimbledon so far, surprising everyone with her run from qualifying through to the quarter-finals of the women’s singles event.
Everyone except for herself, that is.
“I don’t think it’s surprising,” said Sun after defeating Britain’s Emma Raducanu 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 on Sunday evening in London.
“In terms of the tennis, we’re not that much different, far off, from the top 100. It’s just that little you have to get far in some tournaments, obviously in the big tournaments, to make that jump.”
Sun is the first female to go from qualifying to quarter-finals at a Grand Slam since Kaia Kanepi in 2010.
Wimbledon run a product of Sun’s growing experience
Not only is this run at Wimbledon Sun’s first Grand Slam quarter-final, but her round one win was the first time the Kiwi had won a main draw match at a major.
However, her experience losing in the Australian Open this year – 6-1, 7-5 to Elisabetta Cocciaretto – helped shape her as a player.
“The loss at the Australian Open in the main draw was something that I took as a lesson,” she explained.
“I think with each tournament, I’ve progressed in viewing the game better and playing my game better because I’ve had matches, more matches, under my belt.
“I’ve also worked physically more. I was working with my team really hard.
“Also since 2022 I was able to 100% focus on my tennis. I think it was just little baby steps from last year. Unfortunately I was injured during the summer, so that halted a bit.
“But this year I’ve played more WTA tournaments at the bigger levels. I think I really gained experience.”
Redemption for Sun after heartbreak in 2023
This time last year, Sun had a very different experience at Wimbledon.
The 23-year-old also had a strong run in qualifying, winning her first two matches in straight sets.
In her final qualifying match, however, Sun went down 6-7(9), 6-2, 6-3 to world No 139 Mai Hontama.
“I was super delighted because the last quallies I played at Wimbledon, I lost in the final round of quallies in three sets. I was super disappointed,” Sun confessed.
“When you’re so close to qualifying, it kind of hurts your heart. So just getting to the main draw was a big step already.”
Heading into her quarter-final on Tuesday, Sun seems remarkably grounded.
“It’s just opportunity, a new opportunity each time. Yeah, I’m super grateful to be able to play another match here.
The New Zealander will face Croat Donna Vekic for a spot in the semi-finals.
