Swiss tennis star Lulu Sun has announced her decision to represent New Zealand and in the process significantly boost’s the nation’s tennis profile.
The 22-year-old, currently ranked 151st worldwide, will now be New Zealand’s highest-ranked singles player.
Sun was born in Te Anau and moved to Switzerland with her family as a child. Over the years she has maintained a strong connection to New Zealand, with her grandparents still living in Te Anau and representing New Zealand at the Junior Wimbledon tournament.
Her switch has been approved by the International Tennis Federation, making her a key player for New Zealand in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup and potentially, the Paris Olympics.
Sun told State-funded media outlet RNZ that, ‘representing New Zealand is more than a professional choice; it is a tribute to my roots, a celebration of my origin, and a commitment to the country that has always been a fundamental part of who I am and who I want to become
Tennis New Zealand and the local tennis community have warmly welcomed Sun’s decision, seeing her as a pivotal figure for women’s tennis in the country.
