Kiwi Tennis Star’s Shock Win at Wimbledon

Share to Google Classroom

New Zealand’s Lulu Sun achieved the biggest victory of her career by defeating Chinese world number eight, Qinwen Zheng, in the first round at Wimbledon. Sun, who made her debut in the Wimbledon main draw, triumphed with a score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, surprising many who expected Zheng to win easily.

Te Anau-born Sun switched her allegiance from Switzerland to New Zealand in March and is the first New Zealander in seven years to reach a grand slam singles main draw. To get there, she had to win three qualifying matches, following in the footsteps of Marina Erakovic, who last achieved this for New Zealand in 2017.

Previously, Sun had only competed in one grand slam, exiting in the first round of this year’s Australian Open while still representing Switzerland. Her win over Zheng marks her first victory against a top 50 player and is expected to improve her world ranking from 123rd to within the top 100.

In the second round, Sun will face Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtsewa, ranked 153rd, who advanced by defeating Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in straight sets.

LEAVE A COMMENT
Give us your views on this article.
RECALL QUESTIONS
A variety of comprehension questions based on this article.
THINKING QUESTIONS
A selection of more detailed questions to show your understanding.
WORKSHEETS
A range of learning activities to complete once you have finished reading this article. 

1
A man from Long Island may have set a new...
1
A man took an unusual “shopping trip” in Brisbane by...
1
Las Lindes beach in Malaga, Spain, has a new kind...

World & National News

1
The Gore District Council has declared the town’s water safe...
1
Auckland and Wellington have both secured spots in the top...
1
Every year on July 17, people around the world celebrate...
1
One of the most famous weapons in movie history is...
1
The New Zealand Government has approved $83 million in funding...