Lulu Sun is making her mark on the green Wimbledon courts as she heads into the second round of the tournament for the first time in her career.
Sun entered the tournament as a qualifier and stunned world number eight Qinwen Zheng of China to reach the second round.
She looked totally at home on the hallowed grass in her 4-6 6-2 6-4 victory.
Sun told Breakfast this morning that her first round match was on the biggest court she's ever played on, but she wasn't going to let the occasion get to her.
"At the beginning, it was a little overwhelming to be surrounded by that many people and against a top player, but over the course of the match I got used to it and found my game," Sun said.
"Wimbledon is very beautiful as a site, it has a lot of history and culture within it. I'm super honoured to be able to play at such a prestigious competition."
With Sun's first round victory, it's likely she will move inside the top 100 women's singles rankings.
"It would be a huge deal for tennis New Zealand and to be in the top 100 is important for the future generations to keep working and dreaming."
Sun will play her second round match against a fellow qualifier tonight, as she takes on Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtsewa.
The 23-year-old is the first Kiwi woman to qualify for the second round of a main draw of a Grand Slam since Marina Erakovic in 2016.
Te Anau-born Sun grew up in Switzerland and is acutely aware of the country’s long and storied association with Wimbledon.
“I’m proud to always support both countries.
“It’s super cool to have a player like [Roger Federer] at a tournament like this historically. It’s nice to be able to play at the same tournament as he did.”
Sun has also been named to represent New Zealand at the Olympics alongside fellow Kiwi Erin Routliffe.
"The Olympic Games are bigger than normal tournaments as a tennis player, as you're representing your country and playing for something bigger than yourself.
"To be able to play with Erin who has a lot of experience throughout her years, it's a pretty cool feat."
Routliffe is also competing at Wimbledon but in the doubles section and will play her first round match with partner Gabriela Dabrowski later tonight.
You can watch Wimbledon live and free on TVNZ+
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