5 Things You Didn't Know About Tennis Star Lulu Sun
info@hypebae.com (Hypebae) Tue, 21 Jan 2025 Hypebae
Lulu Sun just signed a major sponsorship deal with FILA, marking another exciting milestone in her already impressive career. At just 23 years old, Sun is making waves in the world of tennis, recently being named the Women's Tennis Association's "Newcomer of the Year."
"It is such an honor to step onto the court and represent a brand with such an iconic history in the game," shares Sun in a press release. "I am grateful to FILA for the support and the opportunity to join the elite group of athletes who have worn the brand. I look forward to working together as I take my career to the next level."
For those who aren't familiar with Sun, her breakthrough season last year has been nothing short of spectacular. She grabbed global attention with an unforgettable run at Wimbledon, where she made it from the qualifying rounds all the way to the quarterfinals, where she outplayed tennis peer, Emma Raducanu in the fourth round. That performance catapulted her into the top 100 and in August, she made her first tour-level final in Monterrey, Mexico.
Below, we compile a list of fun facts about Sun, so you can get to know the tennis sensation behind the headlines.
Scroll below to read more.
She is Trilingual
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When we say Sun is an international kid, we're not kidding -- she's lived it. Born in the tranquil town of Te Anau, New Zealand, she moved to Geneva, Switzerland at the age of five where she completed her education amidst a vibrant mix of cultures. Later, she lived briefly in Shanghai while staying connected to her New Zealand roots through regular family visits.
It's no surprise the tennis pro is as culturally fluent as she is multilingual, speaking English, French and Mandarin effortlessly, with Korean now in the mix.
New Zealand is Her Favorite Country
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Originally flying the flag for Switzerland on the tennis court, Sun recently made the switch to represent New Zealand, reaffirming her deep connection to her birthplace. While her travels have taken her all over the world, New Zealand remains her ultimate destination -- its stunning landscapes, endless sunshine and strong ties to her roots make it feel like the perfect home base.
She Is a Foodie
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Tennis may take Sun all over the world but the real perk of all that travel? The food, of course. Between tournaments, she's always on the lookout for the best local spots to dive into the culture -- and the cuisine. If you scroll through her Instagram, it's clear she's got a thing for food photos. From street food to fancy local drinks, Sun's travel dumps are a feast for the eyes (and the stomach.) For her, the camera always eats first.
She’s the First Kiwi in 13 Years to Defeat a Top 100 Player in a Singles Match
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Sun is the first New Zealander to defeat a top 100 player in a singles match in over a decade -- and she's only 23 years old. This impressive achievement is no small feat, especially in the highly competitive world of tennis. For context, breaking into the top 100 is a monumental milestone in itself that takes incredible skill, mental toughness and determination. There's no wonder FILA is proud to announce its sponsorship with the tennis star.
She Is The First New Zealander in Wimbledon Quarters in Open Era
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The last time a Kiwi made it through the Round of 16 at Wimbledon was 1959, so it's fair to say she's broken history. To put it into perspective, 1959 was a different era entirely -- long before the rise of modern tennis giants and technological advancements in the sport. The achievement highlights just how significant Sun's progress is, not only in her career but for New Zealand tennis as a whole.
For more sports news, read about Leana Deeb and Gymshark's new modest activewear collection.
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