British teenage trio show glimpse of the future on Wimbledon debuts
Swansea's Xu had the unenviable task of facing fellow Briton Emma Raducanu, ranked 278 places higher and a natural fan favourite since making her own teenage breakthrough at the tournament four years ago.
Xu garnered plenty support of her own, however, and made her presence felt with an impressive serve that reached speeds approaching 120mph at times.
Raducanu's 6-3 6-3 victory was a job well done in the end, but Xu will surely have many more opportunities to further endear herself to tennis fans in SW19.
She said: 'Obviously it's not my dream debut, my dream debut would have definitely been to have won, but I'm so honored that this is my debut.
'I got to play on an amazing court with an amazing crowd, such a great atmosphere, against an amazing opponent.
'I feel like it's made me believe in myself, believe in my game that it's there, that the good stuff is really there. It's really good, but it's just being able to do it more consistently.
'It's really put belief in me, ignited a fire within me that I can do this, and I belong here.
'I just really wanted it to last a tiny bit longer, but I loved every single moment out there.'
Wimbledon local Klugman faced former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, ranked 38, on her first experience of the main draw and as the youngest British player at the tournament.
Though losing the first set 6-1 when taking time to find her feet in the sweltering heat, Klugman rallied in the second to give her 22-year-old opponent a little more to think about before an eventual 6-3 loss.
'That was obviously my first main-draw match and against such a tough opponent. It was an amazing occasion and I loved the atmosphere,' she said.
'I tried to enjoy it but it was tough today. Conditions were tough, it was hot.
'I'm disappointed a bit with how I played and also the outcome, there's a lot to learn from it.'
Of the support she received from a home crowd assembled on her own doorstep, Klugman added: 'I didn't think it would be that amazing.
'I think it kind of got to me a little bit at one point, physically and mentally. That's amazing having that many people behind me at such a young age.'
Stojsavljevic made her debut against the American Ashlyn Krueger, losing 6-3 6-2 to the 31st seed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
33 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit Wimbledon star Oliver Tarvet's girlfriend stuns in low-cut dress as she watches him take on Carlos Alcaraz
Tarvet and his girlfriend study at a university in the US ONE LOVE Brit Wimbledon star Oliver Tarvet's girlfriend stuns in low-cut dress as she watches him take on Carlos Alcaraz WIMBLEDON star Oliver Tarvet's girlfriend turned heads as she watched the British ace take on Carlos Alcaraz. The world No.733 faces the reigning champion on Centre Court this afternoon. Advertisement 8 Oliver Tarvet's girlfriend Helaena Staebler supported him on Centre Court Credit: PA 8 Helaena was all smiles in the Tarvet player's box Credit: PA 8 She stunned in a low-cut blue dress Credit: PA 8 Helaena hails from California Credit: Threads @ Tarvet was cheered on by his coaches, family and girlfriend Helaena Staebler from his player's box. Helaena, 20, caught the eye from the stands in a stunning low-cut blue dress. Tarvet, who is making his Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon, plays college tennis for the University of San Diego. It was there where he met brunette beauty Helaena and they have been together for a year. Advertisement St Albans-born Tarvet is a communications major when he is not on the court and his partner from California studies biology. The couple shared a kiss after he won his first-round match on Monday, beating Leandro Reidi in straight sets. Tarvet won three matches in qualifying to make the main draw. He has already banked £99,000 by making the second round at SW19. Advertisement 8 Wimbledon 2025 LIVE - follow all the latest scores and updates from a thrilling fortnight at SW19 But due to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules, Tarvet is not allowed to take winnings from competitions outside of the college set-up. However, his coach Ryan Keckley says he is able to claim plenty of his prize money in 'actual necessary expenses over the course of a calendar year'. Advertisement The odds are stacked against Tarvet versus two-time Wimbledon winner Alcaraz. But it is a challenge he is relishing, according to girlfriend Helaena, who said: "I've always believed in him - it's just what you've got to do. "I have no words, I haven't even been able to process this. "It's gonna be amazing, I'm very excited, I'm sure he's very excited as well." Advertisement 8 The couple met at San Diego University, who Tarvet competes for Credit: Threads @ 8 They have been together for a year Credit: Threads @
Scottish Sun
33 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Cam Norrie battles back from a set down to beat Frances Tiafoe and romp into Wimbledon third round
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CAMERON NORRIE battled from a set down to beat Frances Tiafoe and book his place in round three. Norrie reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022 and with the draw opening up, will be hopeful of another deep run again. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Cameron Norrie earned a four-set victory over Frances Tiafoe Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Tiafoe was seeded 12th and took the opening set Credit: PA He faced the No12 seed Tiafoe - himself a former Grand Slam semi-finalist - on No1 Court. And the world No61 Brit produced the shock in front of an adoring home crowd. Tiafoe took the opener 6-4 and looked to be in control. But Norrie came roaring back, digging deep to rattle off the next three sets - breaking the American right at the end of the fourth. He wrapped up the 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 victory in just shy of three hours on court. And the former world No8 will face either Mattia Bellucci or Queen's finalist Jiri Lehecka in round three. Lehecka downed British No1 Jack Draper in the semis at Queen's before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
The Herald Scotland
34 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Cam Norrie roars into third round by downing 12th seed at Wimbledon
Norrie was broken in the fifth game of the first set to put him on the back foot. But the 29-year-old seemed energised by a vocal Court One crowd in the second, which saw his rival fail to follow through on three break points at 4-4 – a shortcoming that allowed the 2022 semi-finalist to rally and get a break of his own to level the match. Norrie's forehand began to cause the American plenty of problems in the third set, but after breaking Tiafoe's serve he was swiftly broken back as the bog-serving American relied on his ability to gain points via aces. Read more: The tables were then turned once again when Norrie broke serve, again courtesy of his huge forehand, and proceeded to successfully serve for the third set. Tiafoe then disappeared off court for a lengthy comfort break, coming back in a fresh outfit to face a fourth set with an opponent who was clearly warming to the task. Though trailing, the American did not fold easily and break points were passed between the pair, with the momentum looking at times to be favouring Tiafoe as he threatened to regain control of the match. Norrie held his nerve, however, and blips from his adversary meant he was able to pull off a mighty victory and book a likely clash with Queen's finalist Jiri Lehecka in the third round.
