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.
