Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open: Lulu Sun explains her Chinese heritage ahead of her debut in the city

Inside 23-year-old Lulu Sun’s energetic, young body there may live a soul far beyond her years – the New Zealand tennis player said as she explained her Chinese heritage ahead of her professional debut in Hong Kong.

The Wimbledon quarter-finalist was preparing to play at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open next week and admitted competing in the city felt like she was playing in her “second home”.

And she revealed that there may be several familiar faces in the stands who are close to her and are rooting for her.

“I have an aunt, two uncles and three cousins ​​who live here,” said Sun, who was born in Te Anau, New Zealand, to a Croatian father and a Chinese mother. “I think my other uncle came from somewhere, and then some other people came from Shanghai; My mother is here in town too.”

Flying to Hong Kong and visiting her relatives became an annual family activity that happened “at least once a year,” although this year was Sun’s first trip to the city since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sun said she has hiked almost every mountain trail in Hong Kong over the years, including once climbing Lion Rock Mountain.