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| Photo right Lulu Sun |
She has a diverse heritage, with a Chinese mother and Croatian father, and she was raised in Switzerland from the age of five. Sun's international background has greatly influenced her both personally and professionally, allowing her to speak three languages fluently: English, French, and Chinese
Sun's tennis career began to gain traction when she earned a scholarship to the University of Texas, where she played college tennis for the Longhorns and majored in International Relations and Global Studies. After facing injuries and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, she turned professional in 2022. By the end of 2023, she had climbed to a ranking of 214 in the world.
Initially representing Switzerland, Sun decided to switch her national allegiance to New Zealand in 2024, inspired by the potential growth of tennis in her birth country and the support she felt from the New Zealand crowd during the ASB Classic in Auckland. She made headlines by becoming the first New Zealand woman to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals in the Open Era, defeating notable players like Emma Raducanu along the way.
Sun's journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability, navigating through different cultures and overcoming various challenges to make a mark on the international tennis stage.
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| Lulu Sun of New Zealand reacts after winning a point against Emma Raducanu of Britain during their fourth round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Sunday, July 7, 2024. Photo: kxan.com |
Career Highlights and Achievements
Lulu Sun’s career has been marked by significant milestones and impressive performances:
Early Career Success: Sun made a name for herself early on by becoming the first player born in 2001 to achieve a WTA ranking in 2015. This achievement set the stage for her future in professional tennis.
College Tennis: During her time at the University of Texas, Sun was a standout player for the Longhorns. Her success in college tennis, combined with her academic focus on International Relations, helped her develop a strong foundation for her professional career.
Professional Breakthrough: Sun transitioned to the professional circuit in 2022. Despite the challenges of injuries and the pandemic, she managed to steadily climb the WTA rankings, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
Wimbledon Success: In 2024, Sun achieved a historic milestone by reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. This accomplishment made her the first New Zealand woman to reach this stage of Wimbledon in the Open Era, a testament to her skill and perseverance. Her victory over Emma Raducanu in the fourth round was a standout moment of her career.
National Representation: Sun officially switched her tennis nationality from Switzerland to New Zealand in 2024. This decision was driven by her desire to support and grow the sport in her home country. She made her debut for New Zealand in the Billie Jean King Cup, where she represented her new nation with pride.
Upcoming Goals: Looking ahead, Sun aims to continue building on her success and making further strides on the WTA Tour. Her goal include potential appearances at major tournaments and representing New Zealand in international competitions, such as the Olympics.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of her tennis career, Lulu Sun has a diverse range of interests and a strong educational background:
Academic Background:
Sun’s degree in International Relations and Global Studies reflects her interest in global affairs and politics. She values the opportunity to understand different cultures and perspectives, which she believes enhances her approach to both tennis and life.
Cultural Heritage:
Sun embraces her multicultural background. Having lived in New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United States, she has been shaped by a variety of cultural influences, which she sees as a unique advantage in her personal and professional life.
Future Aspirations:
Sun is enthusiastic about the future of tennis in New Zealand and hopes to inspire young players through her achievements. She is also keen on continuing her education and exploring opportunities beyond tennis, using her degree to engage with global issues.
On Her Multicultural Background
Lulu Sun’s multicultural background has profoundly influenced her both as a person and as a professional athlete. Born in Te Anau, New Zealand, to a Chinese mother and a Croatian father, Sun’s early life was marked by a blend of cultures. At the age of five, she moved to Switzerland, where she continued to embrace diverse cultural experiences.
Embracing Multiple Cultures
Sun’s upbringing in a multicultural household allowed her to appreciate and integrate various cultural elements into her identity. She often speaks about how her diverse heritage has enriched her life and shaped her worldview:
Adaptability and Perspective:
Growing up in different countries, Sun developed a unique adaptability that has served her well in her tennis career.
Her ability to navigate various cultural contexts has given her a broader perspective on life and sport. “I think I’m lucky to have all these backgrounds behind me. From an early age, I got to see the world and get to know it through my family. I’m not fighting it, I’m not trying to be a specific culture. I’ve just grabbed different parts of different cultures, and they somehow became me”.
Language Skills:
Sun is fluent in English, French, and Chinese, a testament to her multicultural upbringing. This linguistic ability not only aids her in communication on the international tennis circuit but also enhances her cultural empathy and understanding.
Cultural Influence on Her Career
Sun’s exposure to different cultures has also influenced her approach to tennis. She has drawn on the strengths of her diverse heritage to shape her playing style and career decisions:
Swiss Precision and Discipline:
Her time in Switzerland, known for its emphasis on precision and discipline, has instilled in her a rigorous work ethic and attention to detail in her training and matches.
Chinese Resilience and Focus:
From her Chinese heritage, she has embraced values of resilience and focus, crucial traits for any professional athlete facing the ups and downs of competitive sports.
New Zealand’s Supportive Community:
Returning to represent New Zealand, Sun has expressed deep appreciation for the supportive and close-knit tennis community in her home country. The enthusiasm and encouragement she receives from New Zealand fans have been a significant motivator in her career.
Personal Reflections
Sun’s reflections on her multicultural background highlight her gratitude for the opportunities and perspectives it has provided:
Personal Growth:
Sun acknowledges that her multicultural upbringing has been pivotal in her personal growth. By experiencing different cultures firsthand, she has learned to appreciate diversity and integrate various cultural practices into her life.
Global Citizen:
She sees herself as a global citizen, comfortable navigating international settings both on and off the court. This global outlook has not only broadened her horizons but also made her a more versatile and empathetic individual.
Lulu Sun’s multicultural background is not just a backdrop to her life story but a dynamic and integral part of her identity. It has equipped her with unique skills and perspectives, enriching her journey as a professional tennis player and as an individual embracing the richness of diverse cultural experiences.