Xu channelling inspiration from Raducanu at Junior Wimbledon
To gear up for the junior competition, Xu faced 2021 US Open champion Raducanu in the first round of the senior draw where she fell to a valiant 6-3 6-3 defeat on Court 1.
Xu sought to pick the British No.1's brains while they were cooling down after that encounter, while both the pair's Chinese heritage means Raducanu communicates with Xu's mum in Mandarin when they train together at the National Tennis Centre.
The Welsh star also has fond memories of Raducanu's fairytale New York triumph and now wants to channel inspiration in order to emulate those exploits in SW19.
'Straight after our match we were stretching and she gave me some advice,' she said.
'I've got to know her quite well - she gave me advice about what to do with my game, was really supportive and super friendly telling me where to improve, so it was really helpful.
'I remember her wining US Open – we were all huddled round the TV and it was really inspirational for all of us.
'To see how much hard work she puts in day out – it really shows what it takes to get to the top.
'I got the job done today – I played well and aggressively, took most balls on and it was a solid performance.'
Xu made much lighter work of Czech player Kovackova than in her first round match, where she was forced to battle from behind to beat American Thea Frodin 2-6 6-4 7-5.
She found her fluent best on Court 12 the following day, however, requiring just 53 minutes to despatch her higher-ranked opponent and book her place in the last 16.
There she will face Australian Tahlia Kokkinis, who beat fellow Brit Daniella Britton in straight sets elsewhere on Monday afternoon.
And she hopes using the partisan British crowd to her advantage can catapult her into the quarter-finals.
'I've played on these courts more than anyone else,' she said.
'What better way to prepare for the junior draw than playing seniors the week before?
'I've got used to using the British crowd, who have been absolutely amazing.
'It was full today and they really got me across the finish line – hopefully more of the same tomorrow and I'm taking it one game at a time.'
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website.
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