Sun set to shine for New Zealand
New Zealand tennis has a player on the verge of cracking the top 150, with Lulu Sun confirming she has switched national allegiances from Switzerland to the country of her birth.
The 22-year-old from Te Anau, who is ranked 151 in the world, left New Zealand as a small child and grew up in Switzerland.
Although she has always cherished her connection to New Zealand, with her grandparents still living in the South Island town, and briefly represented the country of her birth as a junior to play at Wimbledon in 2018, it seemed likely she would continue to represent Switzerland on the world stage.
However, after a whirlwind week at this year’s ASB Classic, where she came through qualifying to make it to the second round of the main draw, she was able to experience the warmth there was towards her from the New Zealand public.
During this period she had talks with Tennis NZ officials about potentially representing New Zealand and those conversations continued afterwards, to the point where she has now agreed to play with the Kiwi flag next to her name.
The International Tennis Federation has signed off her swap and Sun will be a key figure in the New Zealand Billie Jean King Cup team for the Asia/Oceania Group I event in Changsha, China, from April 8-13.
There is also the potential for Sun to partner with Erin Routliffe in the doubles at the Paris Olympics in July.
“After deep reflection, it is with great pride that I announce my commitment to represent New Zealand, my birth country, on the international stage at the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup,” Sun said in a statement.
“I feel an incredible love for Switzerland and a sincere gratitude for the Swiss tennis community for their support and opportunities.
“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.”
Sun backed up her run at the Classic by qualifying at the Australian Open and winning the title at an ITF tournament in Roehampton, England, last month, defeating Heather Watson in the final.
She has already climbed 63 places in the world rankings this year and a few more strong weeks could see her automatically make it into the main draw at the upcoming French Open and Wimbledon grand slams.
She immediately becomes New Zealand’s highest-ranked singles player, surpassing Monique Barry, who is at 650. The top men’s singles player is Rubin Statham at 557.
Tennis NZ chief executive Julie Paterson said it was great news for the sport in this country to have Sun on board.
Former top 40 player and Tennis NZ board member Marina Erakovic echoed Paterson’s sentiments.
“Lulu will be a great addition to the Billie Jean King Cup team.’’