Lulu Sun is a professional tennis player celebrated for her determination, resilience, and exceptional performances on the international tennis stage. Born on April 14, 2001, in Te Anau, New Zealand, Sun has established herself as a rising star, representing both Switzerland and later her native New Zealand in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) circuit. Known for her powerful left-handed play and precise two-handed backhand, Sun has become a formidable opponent on all surfaces, particularly excelling in major tournaments like Wimbledon.
With a multicultural upbringing spanning New Zealand, China, and Switzerland, Lulu’s journey is marked by ambition, adaptability, and an unrelenting pursuit of success. Her career achievements, including deep runs at WTA Tour events and major Grand Slam tournaments, make her one of New Zealand’s brightest sporting talents.
Lulu Sun Quick Facts
| Full Name | Lulu Sun |
| Birth Date | April 14, 2001 |
| Birth Place | Te Anau, New Zealand |
| Age | 23 (as of 2024) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Father’s Name | Zdeslav Radovčić |
| Father’s Occupation | Lawyer |
| Mother’s Name | Lele Sun |
| Mother’s Occupation | Homemaker |
| Siblings | Sister: Phenomena Sun |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) |
| Weight | 65 kilograms (143 pounds) |
| Playing Style | Left-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Professional | 2022 |
| Residence | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Car | Compact eco-friendly vehicle |
| Friends | Fellow players on the WTA circuit |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million |
| Not publicly available | |
| Wikipedia Page | Lulu Sun Wikipedia |
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Lulu Sun was born on April 14, 2001, in Te Anau, a small yet stunning town in the South Island of New Zealand, renowned for its natural beauty and proximity to Fiordland National Park. Lulu’s father, Zdeslav Radovčić, is of Croatian descent and works as a lawyer, while her mother, Lele Sun, hails from China. This blend of European and Asian heritage gave Lulu a rich cultural upbringing.
Shortly after her birth, Lulu’s family moved to Shanghai, China, where she spent her early childhood. At the age of five, the family relocated to Geneva, Switzerland, where Lulu would receive her education and begin her journey into professional tennis.
Childhood and Education
Growing up in a multicultural household, Lulu was fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, allowing her to adapt easily to new environments. Her parents emphasized education and discipline, values that would later help her thrive on the tennis circuit. Lulu attended schools in Geneva, balancing academics with her growing love for tennis.
From an early age, Lulu exhibited a natural athletic ability. Inspired by watching tennis greats like Roger Federer and Li Na, she picked up a racket and began training at a local tennis club. Her talent was evident, and her parents supported her passion by enrolling her in rigorous training programs.
Lulu continued her education at the University of Texas at Austin, where she played for the Texas Longhorns tennis team. During her collegiate career, she excelled both academically and athletically, helping the team secure multiple championships.
Tennis Career
Early Professional Years
Lulu Sun officially turned professional in 2022 after completing her studies. She initially represented Switzerland on the ITF circuit, competing in lower-tier tournaments to build her ranking and experience. During this time, she won six ITF singles titles and two doubles titles, a testament to her dedication and rising skill level.
Switch to Representing New Zealand
In March 2024, Lulu made the decision to represent her birthplace, New Zealand, on the professional circuit. The move was seen as a homecoming and was widely celebrated by Kiwi fans and media, marking her as one of the country’s top tennis prospects in decades.
Career Highlights
- Wimbledon Breakthrough (2024): Lulu achieved a career-defining moment at Wimbledon 2024 when she reached the quarterfinals, becoming the first New Zealand woman to do so since Ruia Morrison in 1959. Her impressive victories over top-seeded players, including British favorite Emma Raducanu, drew global attention.
- Monterrey Open Final (2024): Lulu reached her first WTA Tour singles final at the Monterrey Open in Mexico, finishing as the runner-up to Czech player Linda Nosková. This accomplishment pushed her into the Top 50 of the WTA rankings.
- Top 40 Ranking: By September 2024, Lulu achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 39, a reflection of her consistent progress and strong performances throughout the season.
Playing Style
Lulu Sun is a left-handed player with a two-handed backhand, a combination that gives her an edge over many opponents. Her strengths include:
- Aggressive baseline play with powerful groundstrokes.
- Speed and movement, allowing her to chase down difficult shots.
- Tactical use of angles to force her opponents into defensive positions.
Her adaptability on different surfaces—grass, clay, and hard courts—makes her a well-rounded competitor capable of thriving in any tournament.
Personal Life
Residence and Lifestyle
Lulu Sun resides in Geneva, Switzerland, where she trains regularly with professional coaches. Her home reflects her grounded personality and international influences, combining modern European design with touches of Asian heritage.
Height, Weight, and Fitness
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters)
- Weight: 65 kilograms (143 pounds)
Lulu’s physical fitness is integral to her game. She maintains a strict training regimen focused on strength, agility, and endurance to keep her at peak performance.
Car and Sustainability
Lulu Sun is known for her eco-conscious lifestyle. She drives a compact, eco-friendly vehicle, in line with her commitment to sustainability and reducing her carbon footprint.
Friends and Connections
Lulu shares close friendships with several WTA Tour players and collegiate teammates from her time at the University of Texas. She has also been mentored by experienced coaches and former tennis stars who have guided her transition to the professional circuit.
Net Worth and Sponsorships
Lulu Sun’s estimated net worth is $1.5 million. Her earnings come primarily from:
- Tournament prize money (approximately $950,000).
- Endorsement deals with sports brands and local sponsors.
Her rising profile is expected to attract more lucrative sponsorship opportunities in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Lulu Sun’s full name?
Lulu Sun. - When was Lulu Sun born?
April 14, 2001. - Where is Lulu Sun from?
She was born in Te Anau, New Zealand. - What is Lulu Sun’s highest ranking?
She achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 39 in September 2024. - What is Lulu Sun’s playing style?
She is a left-handed player with a two-handed backhand. - Which countries has Lulu Sun represented?
She has represented Switzerland and New Zealand. - Where does Lulu Sun live?
She resides in Geneva, Switzerland. - Does Lulu Sun have siblings?
Yes, her sister Phenomena Sun was also a professional tennis player. - What is Lulu Sun’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. - What are Lulu Sun’s career highlights?
Reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2024 and the Monterrey Open final in the same year.
Finally
Lulu Sun’s rise from a small-town girl in Te Anau, New Zealand, to a global tennis star is a story of determination, resilience, and talent. Her success on the WTA Tour, highlighted by her impressive performances at Wimbledon and the Monterrey Open, positions her as a future Grand Slam contender and an ambassador for New Zealand tennis.
With her multicultural background, disciplined approach, and growing fanbase, Lulu Sun represents the new generation of tennis stars who inspire through hard work and global impact. Her journey continues to captivate fans and showcases the power of perseverance in achieving greatness.
