Wimbledon 2024: Underdogs Shine as Perricard and Sun Make History

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.

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