Our Spotlight On column with tennis sensation Mimi Xu is sponsored by Floodlighting and Electrical.

After winning the biggest title of her career, newly crowned Wrexham Open champion Mimi Xu has her sights set on the ultimate tennis goal.

The 18-year-old from Swansea says that she wants to emulate her hero Serena Williams by winning a Grand Slam and becoming world number one.

“I believe in myself, I believe in the work that I put in every day,” the rising tennis star says.

“I’ve been developing myself and my game – my confidence will build as well – I do see myself there some day.”

Xu’s W100 title in October capped a remarkable breakthrough year on the ladies senior tour which makes her dream seem all the more possible.

She delivered a stunning performance in front of a delighted home crowd to capture the Lexus Wrexham Open singles and doubles title: the biggest triumph of her young career to date.

Xu showcased composure, power and tactical brilliance to defeat fellow Briton and former Junior Billie Jean King Cup teammate Mika Stojsavljevic 6–3, 7–5 in a thrilling final that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Xu began the match in commanding fashion, finding her rhythm early and dominating from the baseline.

With her crisp groundstrokes and confident movement, she broke Stojsavljevic’s serve three times in succession, surging to a 5–1 lead. Xu wrapped up the opening set 6–3, her fierce forehand dictating the pace of play and leaving her opponent searching for answers.

The second set brought a tighter contest. Stojsavljevic, the 16-year-old rising star who had recently claimed the Lexus GB Pro Series Birmingham title, steadied her serve and fought valiantly to stay in the match.

Xu created seven break-point opportunities, only to see them slip away as her opponent dug deep. Showing maturity beyond her years, she struck decisively once more, breaking serve and then holding her nerve to seal victory on her third match point.

Xu has enjoyed notable wins at tournaments in Birmingham, Ilkley and Nottingham which earned her a wildcard to become the first Welsh player to enter the main singles draw at Wimbledon in almost 20 years.

She was met by fellow Brit and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the first round on a packed-out Court One.

Despite losing 6-3 6-3, Xu showed composure and talent and also enjoyed a good run in the ladies’ doubles with Ella McDonald, who she won the doubles title with at Wrexham as well.

“I’ve had so many amazing experiences this year, a lot of firsts,” Xu adds.

“Wimbledon was an absolute dream and then to win singles and doubles in Wrexham – and with international tennis coming back to Wales after a long time – I don’t think I could have asked for anything else.”

The Wrexham double represented a “full circle moment” in Xu’s young career. Xu started the tournament with a WTA singles ranking of 309 which has now risen to a career-high of 269.

“I remember winning my first tournament in Wrexham when I was in eight and under in Welsh Champions and to yesterday get my biggest title, it honestly means so much to me.”

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