British Teen Tennis Stars Balance Books, Backhands, and Grand Slam Dreams

Britain’s Teen Tennis Talents Gear Up for Wimbledon breakthrough

Three British teenagers – Mika Stojsavljevic (16), Hannah Klugman (16), and Mimi Xu (17) – are poised to make history at Wimbledon after earning main-draw wildcards. Balancing education and elite sport, they represent a new "golden generation" inspired by Emma Raducanu’s 2021 US Open triumph.

Hannah Klugman, coached by Wimbledon stalwart Alison Taylor, aims to shine on home soil.

Breaking Boundaries

Earlier this month, Stojsavljevic juggled GCSE revisions, Klugman battled through the French Open juniors, and Xu aced A-Level exams between tournament wins. Days later, all three secured their Wimbledon debuts, marking a pivotal step in their careers. Their rise mirrors a surge in British junior success: before 2024, only three female players had reached Grand Slam junior finals in 40 years; Stojsavljevic (2023 US Open champion) and Klugman (2024 French Open finalist) doubled that tally in under a year.

Hannah Klugman: The Natural Competitor

Coached by Alison Taylor, wife of Wimbledon icon Roger Taylor, Klugman’s talent emerged early. "She thrived under pressure and hated losing," Taylor recalls. An 18-month unbeaten streak as a junior forced her team to arrange matches against adults to challenge her.

Klugman’s tactical variety took her to the 2024 French Open girls’ final.

A 2023 slump saw Klugman seek advice from Jack Draper, reigniting her drive. "She’s resilient," says Taylor. "Her net play and adaptability set her apart."

Mimi Xu: The Scholar-Athlete

Xu’s journey began in Swansea, where coach Fran South spotted her fiery competitiveness at age six. "She’d shout ‘Come on!’ after every point—even at seven!" South laughs. Now 17, Xu balances elite tennis with A-Levels, sitting biology exams between matches.

Xu studies and trains at the LTA Academy, juggling academics with wins over top-150 players.

Standing 6’1”, her power complements sharp academics—she’s on track for "Harvard-level grades," says South. Xu relocated to Loughborough at 12, quickly rising through the ranks alongside Stojsavljevic.

Mika Stojsavljevic: The Late Bloomer

Stojsavljevic’s US Open junior title in 2023 stunned observers, given her early struggles. Coach Andrew Lewandowski recalls her being "devastated" by lopsided losses to Klugman. "But setbacks fueled her," he says. Family resilience—her sister requires round-the-clock care—shaped her determination.

Stojsavljevic’s powerful game earned her a 2023 US Open junior crown.

Though initially overlooked by the LTA, her aggressive play now rivals her peers. "She’s proof persistence pays," adds Lewandowski.

Wimbledon’s New Era

With Klugman’s tactical intelligence, Xu’s powerhouse game, and Stojsavljevic’s grit, this trio embodies Britain’s brightest tennis hope since Raducanu. As they step onto Wimbledon’s grass, their shared journey—from classroom crunch times to Grand Slam courts—signals a thrilling future.

Stojsavljevic, Klugman, and Xu (L-R) aim to transform British tennis fortunes.

Word count: ~650