Historic Wimbledon 2025 Debuts for British Juniors Klugman, Stojsavljevic, Xu

In a landmark moment for British tennis, three juniors—Hannah Klugman, Mika Stojsavljevic, and Mimi Xu—are set to make their main-draw debuts at Wimbledon 2025, marking the first time in history that three British players aged 17 and under will compete in the women’s singles event. The tournament will take place from June 30 to July 13 at the All England Club, and the players earned wildcards due to their impressive performances in junior competitions over the past few years.

Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, has emerged as a notable talent after winning the US Open girls’ title last year. Born in London to a Serbian father and a Polish mother, she stands at 6 feet tall, noted for her strong serve and effective ball-striking, drawing inspiration from her idol, Maria Sharapova. Stojsavljevic has also recently secured the British national junior title and is training at the LTA’s National Academy in Loughborough, balancing her tennis career with academic commitments.

Hannah Klugman, also 16, has made headlines by reaching the French Open girls’ final, the first British girl to do so in nearly 50 years. Klugman trained independently rather than in a national academy and has been mentored by coach Ben Haran at Reed's School in Wimbledon. Her recent victory at the Orange Bowl junior championships in Florida has indicated her rising status in the sport. Klugman has chosen to defer her GCSE exams to focus on her Wimbledon preparations.

Mimi Xu, 17, hailing from Swansea, is the most seasoned of the three, currently ranked just outside the top 300 in the world. Xu has already demonstrated her capability by defeating higher-ranked opponents, including a top-seed at the Birmingham tournament. She has opted for a more individualized training approach, working with notable coaches and participating as a practice partner for the British team in major competitions.

The announcement of their wildcards followed discussions between the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the All England Club, underscoring the importance of supporting emerging talent in British tennis. Iain Bates, head of women’s tennis at the LTA, expressed optimism about the trio, stating, "If you look at their profiles in isolation, you would say all of them are ready for the opportunity to play."

As these young athletes prepare for their Grand Slam debuts, they are not only expected to gain invaluable experience but also to earn at least £66,000 in prize money to reinvest in their careers. The challenges they face will be significant as they transition from junior to senior levels, especially considering the age eligibility restrictions that have limited their experiences on the professional circuit. Nevertheless, their success in junior competitions bodes well for their futures in professional tennis.

The journey of Klugman, Stojsavljevic, and Xu highlights the shifting landscape of British tennis, where a new generation of players is emerging. As they step onto the prestigious grass courts of Wimbledon, the world will watch closely to see if they can make their mark in this historic tournament. The stakes are high, but the potential for these young athletes to shine on such a grand stage is equally significant, paving the way for the future of British tennis.