Lulu Sun, born Lucija Radovčić on April 14, 2001, in Te Anau, New Zealand, has emerged as one of the most promising tennis players representing New Zealand. Known for her powerful game and determination on the court, Sun achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 41 in August 2024. Her journey from a small town in New Zealand to international tennis acclaim highlights her talent, resilience, and dedication.
Sun’s multicultural upbringing and fluency in English, French, and Mandarin Chinese reflect her global perspective, which complements her growing influence in international tennis.
Quick Facts of Lulu Sun
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lucija Radovčić |
| Date of Birth | April 14, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Te Anau, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Education | Bachelor’s in International Relations and Global Studies, University of Texas at Austin (2022) |
| Career Beginnings | Turned professional in 2022 |
| Notable Achievements | First New Zealand woman to reach Wimbledon quarter-finals in the Open Era; ITF singles and doubles titles |
| Relationship Status | Private |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
| Languages | English, French, Mandarin Chinese |
Early Life and Family Background
Lulu Sun was born to a Chinese mother and Croatian father in Te Anau, New Zealand. At age five, her family moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where she grew up while maintaining strong ties to New Zealand. Her older sister, Phenomena Radovčić, played professional tennis until 2016 and served as a key inspiration for Sun’s early interest in the sport.
Sun’s multicultural background shaped her worldview, and her fluency in multiple languages reflects her diverse upbringing.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Sun turned professional in 2022 following an impressive collegiate tennis career at the University of Texas at Austin. She achieved a 15–1 singles record in her freshman year and played a pivotal role in leading the Longhorns to an NCAA championship. She also reached the NCAA doubles final that same year.
Her first ITF title came at the Saint-Gaudens Open in May 2022, partnering with Fernanda Contreras in doubles. Sun made her WTA Tour main-draw debut at the Morocco Open later that month via a wildcard entry.
Notable Works and Achievements
A breakthrough moment in Sun’s career came at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships:
- First Round: Defeated eighth seed Zheng Qinwen for her first top-10 win.
- Second Round: Beat Yulia Starodubtseva.
- Third Round: Defeated Zhu Lin in straight sets.
- Fourth Round: Triumphed over former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, becoming the first New Zealand woman in the Open Era to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
Her Wimbledon success earned her the WTA Newcomer of the Year award in 2024, and she continued to climb the rankings with consistent performances, including reaching the Monterrey Open final.
Personal Life and Relationships
Sun keeps her personal life private and has not publicly disclosed information about relationships. She maintains strong ties to both New Zealand and Switzerland, embracing her rich cultural heritage.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of early 2025, Lulu Sun’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, primarily from tournament earnings and sponsorships. She balances her athletic career with personal interests, including language learning and cultural exploration.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Switched national representation from Switzerland to New Zealand in 2024 to connect with her heritage.
- Multilingual: speaks English, French, and Mandarin Chinese; also learning Korean and Japanese.
- Her older sister, Phenomena Radovčić, was also a professional tennis player.
Charitable Work and Legacy
While details on specific charitable activities are limited, Sun’s rise in tennis has inspired aspiring athletes in New Zealand, especially young women, highlighting perseverance and ambition.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Looking ahead, Sun aims to compete in major tournaments including the Australian Open and French Open. Beyond her tennis achievements, she represents a blend of cultures and serves as a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide, demonstrating dedication, resilience, and international ambition.
