Tennis

Wimbledon 2024 has witnessed the emergence of several unheralded players eager to make their mark on the hallowed grass courts. Among them, Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and New Zealand's Lulu Sun have captured the attention of tennis enthusiasts with their remarkable performances.Perricard, a lucky loser in the qualifying rounds, defied the odds to reach the fourth round. His journey was marked by a series of impressive victories, including a stunning upset over 2024 Australian Open finalist Qinwen Zheng.Sun, a 23-year-old qualifier, also made history by becoming the first New Zealander to reach the women's quarterfinals at Wimbledon since Chris Lewis in 1983. Her run included a memorable victory over 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the fourth round.Sun's global upbringing has shaped her unique perspective on the game. Born to a Chinese mother and Croatian father, she was raised in Switzerland and attended college in the United States. Her diverse experiences have instilled in her a deep appreciation for the global nature of tennis."It wasn't an easy decision [to choose New Zealand]," Sun said after her victory over Raducanu. "But I'm grateful for everything that Swiss tennis has done for me. I'm also grateful for Tennis New Zealand for their support."Sun's success at Wimbledon has not only been a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for her home country. Her journey has ignited a renewed passion for tennis in New Zealand and has shown that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Wimbledon's quarter-finals promise thrilling encounters as the tournament's next generation of stars take center stage. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the world's top-ranked players, will face off in a highly anticipated clash, while Lulu Sun, a qualifier from New Zealand, aims to make history.Sinner vs. Medvedev: A Rivalry RenewedWorld number one Jannik Sinner and fifth-ranked Daniil Medvedev have a storied rivalry, with Sinner winning the last five of their 11 meetings. Their Wimbledon quarter-final will be a rematch of the Australian Open final, where Sinner triumphed in a thrilling five-set battle. Medvedev acknowledges Sinner's remarkable improvement, praising his consistency and power.Alcaraz Eyes Double GloryDefending champion Carlos Alcaraz faces American Tommy Paul, hoping to reach his sixth Grand Slam semi-final. Alcaraz, who is also a close friend of Spain's Euro 2024 captain, is eager to finish his Wimbledon match in time to support his national team. Alcaraz is aiming to become the sixth player to win the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back.Sun Shines BrightLulu Sun, the first New Zealand woman to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals, is making waves with her aggressive style. Despite being ranked 123rd, Sun has defeated top players like Zheng Qinwen and Emma Raducanu. Her opponent, Donna Vekic, is also in her first Wimbledon quarter-final but has previous experience in the last eight at the US Open and Australian Open.Paolini's Cinderella RunJasmine Paolini, ranked seventh in Italy, has exceeded expectations by reaching her first Grand Slam quarter-final. After a runner-up finish at Roland Garros, Paolini faces Emma Navarro, who stunned Coco Gauff in the fourth round. Navarro has a 3-0 record against Paolini, but the Italian is determined to continue her Cinderella run.

Lulu Sun's remarkable Wimbledon debut has propelled her into the round of 16, a testament to her resilience and determination. Her journey to this stage has been marked by both triumph and adversity.During qualifying, Sun faced a daunting challenge against Gabriela Knutson. Trailing 5-6 and facing a match point, she summoned her inner strength to erase the deficit and secure a crucial victory. This triumph set the stage for her subsequent success.In the main draw, Sun stunned eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling three-set encounter, marking her first Top 10 win. She repeated this feat against Yulia Starodubtseva, showcasing her ability to overcome adversity.On Friday, Sun faced another stern test against Zhu Lin. Despite saving two set points late in the third set, she ultimately prevailed in a nail-biting tie-break. This victory made her the first New Zealand woman to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon in the Open Era.Sun's multicultural background has played a significant role in shaping her character. Born to a Chinese mother and Croatian father, she has lived in New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United States. This diverse upbringing has instilled in her a sense of adaptability and resilience.Her mother's emphasis on education and discipline has been a driving force in her life. Sun pursued her studies at the University of Texas, where she played college tennis and helped the Longhorns win the NCAA Championship in 2021.After graduating, Sun decided to pursue her tennis dreams full-time. Her decision has paid off, as she is now poised to enter the Top 100 for the first time and earn a substantial prize money boost.Sun's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing one's unique background. As she continues her Wimbledon run, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.