Mimi

Xu sat A-Level biology exams in-between her matches at the British grass-court tournaments, but she is now able to fully focus on tennis.

The US Open junior semi-finalist believes she will not be daunted by playing 22-year-old Raducanu on one of the biggest stages in the sport – potentially on Centre Court or Court One.

Xu was moving between rented accommodation when the draw was made at Wimbledon on Friday, and was left in suspense about who her opponent would be.

Xu and mum Wendy started receiving messages before they had seen the news.

“It was funny because we were moving at like 10:05am and I got a message from my coach saying what an exciting draw,” Xu said.

“And then my mum’s getting messages saying ‘that’s so good and so exciting’, but they weren’t saying the name.

“So I’m like, ‘oh my gosh, what is the draw? Who am I playing?’ so I went onto the Wimbledon website and it wasn’t there. Eventually someone told me.

“I feel like I’m really ready and excited for it. It’s going to be a really good test for me – a good opportunity to go out, play and have fun.”

Xu is one of three British players aged 17 and under in the women’s draw – the first time this has happened in Wimbledon history.

Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic – both aged 16 – have also been handed tough draws against seeded players.

The trio have known each other since they were little and have developed together through the ranks.

“To play Wimbledon for the first time together is cool,” US Open junior champion Stojsavljevic added.

If British number one Raducanu beats 17-year-old Xu, she will face either 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova or 32nd seed McCartney Kessler in the second round.

The 22-year-old could potentially face world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the third round.

Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic – the two other British teenagers given wildcards – have also been handed tough draws against seeded players.

Klugman, 16, faces Canadian 29th seed Leylah Fernandez – who Raducanu memorably beat to win the 2021 US Open.

US Open junior champion Stojsavljevic, also 16, starts against American 31st seed Ashlyn Krueger.

In total, there are 10 British players in the women’s singles draw – and half of them have been pitted against seeded players.

Katie Boulter, who Raducanu replaced as the nation’s leading player earlier in June, has been drawn against Spanish ninth seed Paula Badosa.

British number three Sonay Kartal faces Latvian 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko, while 33-year-old Heather Watson – also given a wildcard – plays Danish 23rd seed Clara Tauson.