Welsh tennis prospect Mimi Xu has broken into the top 10 of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior world rankings.

Xu, who was a Sportin Wales cover star in July 2023, has achieved this feat at the age of just 16.

This is not the only milestone Xu has achieved in her young career so far. In 2021, she competed at Junior Wimbledon was she was just 13, becoming the youngest ever Welsh participant of the prestigious tournament.

Xu’s excellent start to the 2024 season, including reaching the French Open girls doubles quarterfinals with partner Hannah Klugman, has been rewarded with at place in the top 10 of the ITF junior rankings.

“I am incredibly proud and humbled to reach the top 10 in the ITF junior world rankings,” said Xu.

“This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication that my team and I have put into my development. I am excited for what the future holds and will continue to strive for excellence in my career.”

Speaking to Sportin Wales in July 2023, Xu said that the best experience of her career so far has been winning 18U GB Nationals.

“The biggest and my favourite experience so far has to be winning the 18U GB Nationals, and earning a Wimbledon qualifying wildcard for women’s,” Xu added.

“My experience playing Wimbledon qualifying was a mixture of amazing and nerve racking. Overall though, I was just so excited.

“Another memorable moment was playing my first abroad tournament without my parents at 11 years old. I went to play the Top 11/12 in Bressuire, France and at the time it was the longest I’d ever been away from home, and the first time I’d been abroad for a tournament. I was extremely homesick, however I ended up winning both singles and doubles. I learnt so much about myself and tennis on an international level on that trip.”

Chris Lewis, Head of Performance for Tennis Wales, added: “Mimi’s achievement is a testament to her incredible talent and relentless hard work.

“She is an inspiration to aspiring tennis players across the country, and we look forward to supporting her as she competes this summer in the grass court season.”

Xu is set to compete in the girl’s and women’s competition at Wimbledon, having secured a place in the Ladies Qualifying event.

The Swansea tennis player is a driven character who looks to have the right attitude to forge a successful career in the future.

“I believe as long as I put 110% into anything that I do the results will eventually come,” said Xu

“Anytime I go out onto the court I want to leave the court without any regrets as I then know I have tried my absolute best, which gives me confidence in myself.

“Enjoying the game simply comes from me loving to play and compete, so seeing games as a chance to just go and have some fun, whilst my competitive side always wanting to win.”