Back where it began: Sun makes winning return to Wimbledon qualifying

New Zealand’s Lulu Sun battled the intense heat and a Polish opponent who wouldn’t give in, for her 7-6(3) 7-5 victory over Linda Klimovicova in the first round of Wimbledon qualifying on Tuesday.

Back at the venue where she had her career breakthrough two years ago to reach the quarterfinals, Sun battled hard to pick up a win in a contest that went for two hours and two minutes.

Sun is seeded ninth in qualifying and is currently 109 in the rankings, she was taking on the world No 167 in Klimovicova.

Unlike two years ago, when Sun began her Wimbledon journey playing in front of just a handful of people, this time she was on one of the main courts in Roehampton, the venue for Wimbledon qualifying. She also had four journalists waiting to interview afterwards, as well as a TV interview for the BBC.

Clearly, people remember what Sun did at Wimbledon in 2024 and she says she remains grateful of being able to go on that incredible seven-match winning run.

“I achieved something that maybe some players don't achieve in their career,” Sun said.

“At the same time, unfortunately, in my case, I've had to deal with injuries and health issues. 

“When I've had momentum, it's was always stuck, so I'm hoping that this year when I do get my momentum back, it's not going to stop abruptly.”

This match showed that Sun’s momentum is building nicely, because this was never going to be an easy match.

Klimovicova saved break points at 3-3 and 4-4 with aces, before Sun took the set into tiebreak with a deft drop shot, running in from the baseline on game point at 5-6. 

There was nothing between the two players in the early stages of the shootout, but when serving at 3-4, the Pole played two points in a row where she put the ball into the net.

That gave Sun three set points, but she only needed one, as Klimovicova went too long on a return.

Sun missed a break point in the second game of the second set, and neither player earned another chance until Klimovicova served to stay in the match at 5-6.

The Kiwi chose this moment to pile on the pressure, keeping the ball deep and moving Klimovicova around. However, Klimovicova was determined to go down fighting and it wasn’t until the fourth match point that Sun was able to hit the winner.

Had Klimovicova been able to hold serve, Sun says she was determined not to hand the momentum back to her opponent.

“I was just like, 'if she does well on these match points, and then wins the game, so be it, but I'm going to do my best to make sure that doesn't happen.

“It was important to get that return and first shot, because there were a lot of returns where I blocked it and it fell short, and so she got the upper hand first. Especially on grass, the first two shots are important, otherwise, if you don't get those, then you're on the back end of it.”

Serving was a real strength of Sun’s, firing down 13 aces and double faulting just twice.

In the second round of qualifying on Wednesday, Sun will play against Oceane Dodin from France, who is ranked 473 in the world, but has been as high as 46.

“I've never practised or played against her,” Sun said. 

“When you don't know a player that well, you try to learn about her, either she has matches online or stuff like that. 

“Then you think about what your skills can do to beat her skills. But I think it will be a good match and it's also going to be a hot day, so I'll definitely have to hydrate and be in the shade as much as I can.”