The world of tennis is buzzing with excitement as three British teenagers, Hannah Klugman, Mika Stojsavljevic, and Mimi Xu, prepare to make their senior Grand Slam debuts at Wimbledon 2025. This momentous event marks a historic milestone—never before have three British players aged 17 and under been included in a women’s singles draw at Wimbledon. Recognizing their immense potential and impressive performance in recent tournaments, the All England Club granted these youngsters wildcards into the main draw.
Mika Stojsavljevic, at just 16 years old, stands out as perhaps the most remarkable of the trio. She gained international attention after clinching the US Open girls’ title the previous year, becoming the third British girl this century to win a Grand Slam title. Kirsking in the event last year not only demonstrated her skill but also established her as the youngest player to achieve this feat since Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in 2006. She recently added the British national title to her accolades, defeating Klugman in the final. With her height of 6ft, Stojsavljevic is known for her powerful serve and striking style reminiscent of her childhood idol, Maria Sharapova.
Similarly, Hannah Klugman, also aged 16, has garnered attention for her exceptional talent in the sport. Having made waves this year by reaching the French Open girls’ final, Klugman has become a name to watch. Klugman opted to remain in her Wimbledon residence to focus on training while being coached by Ben Haran at Reed’s School. This decision allowed her to prepare more flexibly, including spending time at Rafael Nadal’s academy to refine her skills on clay courts. Currently, she’s deferring her GCSE exams to dedicate more time to her tennis aspirations.
Mimi Xu, the eldest of the trio at 17, is another exciting player to watch. Ranked just outside the world’s top 300, Xu’s experience at the senior level gives her an edge as she approaches her debut at Wimbledon. She previously trained at the national academy but transitioned to working with Nigel Sears—famed for coaching Emma Raducanu—last year. Her recent performance in achieving a surprising victory over American top seed Alycia Parks in Birmingham showcases her growing talent on the court. Xu, identified as “super intelligent” by British captain Anne Keothavong, impressively balances her tennis commitments with her academic studies, sitting for A-Level exams during tournaments.
These players have different paths leading to tennis glory, yet they share a common goal as they approach Wimbledon this year. Their entry into the tournament follows discussions between the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the All England Club, which highlighted their capabilities and potential for success on a bigger stage. Each of them represents the burgeoning talent in British women’s tennis, showing abilities that could signal a resurgence of success in the sport.
Their participation in Wimbledon is more than just a milestone; it’s also an opportunity for financial gain, with each athlete set to earn at least £66,000, which can be reinvested in their respective careers. They will face tough competitors and learn from high-pressure matches. Iain Bates, the LTA’s head of women’s tennis, expressed optimism about their prospects at Wimbledon, remarking that such experiences are invaluable as they progress in their tennis careers.
Despite their relative inexperience on the senior tour, all three young players demonstrated readiness as they embrace this pivotal moment in their careers. Success in junior tennis, as noted by Bates, is a promising indicator but not a guarantee of future achievements. The challenge now lies in navigating the complex professional circuit, and the unforgettable experiences they gather at Wimbledon will play a crucial role in their development. This year’s Wimbledon, set between June 30 and July 13 at the All England Club, promises to be a turning point for these remarkable young talents, further showcasing the rising talent in British tennis.
