Sixteen-year-old Mimi Xu has made a remarkable run to the semi-final of the Junior US Open, capturing global attention with her impressive performances.

Xu, who is from Swansea, was knocked out to Japan’s No. 7 seed, Wakana Sonobe 4-6, 4-6 in a highly competitive semifinal clash.

In the quarterfinals, Xu played in the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium, which seats 14,000 spectators and delivered a thrilling performance to overcome home favourite Tyra Caterina Grant.

Her victory in a drawn-out game ended 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. The grit & determination Xu displayed in front of the US crowd shows the maturity of the sixteen-year-old. In the post-match interview, Xu talked about keeping her composure in the final set and this is what gave her the win.

Xu’s talent is not confined to singles. Alongside fellow Brit Mika Stojsavljevic, she made a formidable run in the doubles competition, reaching the quarterfinals without dropping a set in their first two rounds.

Their outstanding partnership, which saw them reach the Wimbledon girls’ doubles final last month, ended in a tightly contested match against Malak El Allami and Emily Sartz-Lunde. Despite the defeat, their strong chemistry and performance reaffirmed their status as a top doubles duo.

Xu is one of three Brits to make it to the semifinals in the singles junior competition.

Her doubles partner, Stojsavljevic, went on to win the singles event at just 14 years old, while Charlie Robertson in the boy’s competition advanced without dropping a set but was knocked out by the eventual champion Nicolai Budkov Kjaer.

Adding to Wales’ success at the Junior US Open, 18-year-old Viktor Frydrych has also made his mark on the competition.

In the doubles, Frydrych played like he had something to prove after the early exit in the singles. Frydrych, along with his Dutch partner Mees Rottgering, advanced to the quarterfinals of the boys’ doubles event.

The pair played excellent tennis in the first two rounds of the competition before losing 6-4, 6-4 to Denis Petak & Flynn Thomas.

Both Xu and Frydrych’s achievements represent a significant milestone for Welsh tennis, with their exceptional skill, determination, and winning attitude shining on the international stage.

Both saw their junior world rankings increase with Xu climbing to 9th in the world & Frydrych getting back into the top 50 in the world reaching 45th.

Elsewhere in Welsh tennis, Team Wales delivered an outstanding performance in wheelchair tennis at the 2024 School Games, held at the prestigious Loughborough University.

The team claimed 3 out of the 5 available gold medals in the event, finishing on the podium in every competition except the boys’ doubles. This incredible achievement underscores the strength of the team and their potential for future success in the sport.

Under the guidance of coaches Will Croft and Emily Jordan, the five-member Team Wales demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament. Their efforts culminated in a remarkable three gold medals and one bronze, a testament to their hard work and dedication.

The School Games, which began in 2006, have a history of showcasing future sporting stars.

The event has served as a launching pad for many athletes who have gone on to achieve international success, including Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes competing in Paris, such as Hannah Cockroft, Adam Peaty, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, and Dina Asher-Smith.

The Girls Singles saw a standout performance from Lilly Folland, who captured the gold medal with a commanding 4-0, 4-2 victory in the final against Lucy Foyster-Edwards.

Imogen Ashwell-Rice also competed fiercely, reaching the semi-finals before a hard-fought match against Foyster-Edwards left her finishing 4th overall. Both athletes demonstrated tremendous skill and determination throughout the competition.

In the Boys Singles competition, McKenzie O’Reilly led the way for Team Wales by securing a bronze medal. O’Reilly displayed remarkable composure in his match against Brady Chambers from Team Ulster, winning 4-2, 4-3(5) to claim the third-place spot.

Despite strong efforts, Evan Hansen and Cameron Hudd faced tough challenges early on, with Hansen exiting in the first round against Melvil Vedrenne-Cloquet and Hudd being knocked out by eventual 4th place finisher Brady Chambers.

In the Boys Doubles event, McKenzie O’Reilly and Evan Hansen formed a strong partnership, advancing to the quarterfinals. Despite their best efforts, they were eventually defeated by the team that would go on to win the bronze medal. Their journey through the competition highlighted their teamwork and resilience.

The Girls Doubles competition was a major success for Team Wales, with Lilly Folland and Imogen Ashwell-Rice teaming up to win the gold medal in a round-robin style tournament.

Their seamless collaboration on the court and consistent performances throughout the event secured them the top spot and added to Wales’ impressive medal tally.

In the Mixed Doubles, O’Reilly and Folland proved to be an unbeatable duo, clinching the gold medal with their outstanding synergy and determination.

This victory marked Folland’s third gold medal of the tournament, solidifying her position as one of the standout performers for Team Wales.

Across the various events, Team Wales consistently showcased their talent and competitive spirit, culminating in a total of three gold medals and one bronze.

Their exceptional performance at the 2024 School Games highlights the strength and potential of these young athletes in wheelchair tennis.

Coaches Will Croft and Emily Jordan praised the athletes for their unwavering determination and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

“The team’s performance this year has been nothing short of inspiring. They have shown incredible skill, and their achievements here at the School Games are a testament to their dedication and hard work,” says Croft.

Team Wales’ success at the 2024 School Games marks another milestone in the development of wheelchair tennis in Wales, and the future looks bright for these young athletes as they continue to pursue their sporting dreams.

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