From a steadily improving start in qualifying, where Sun saved a match point in the second round against Czech Gabriela Knutson, the world No.123 has now won seven consecutive matches in her transformative Grand Slam campaign.
Sun’s first-round upset of Australian Open 2024 finalist and No.8 seed Zheng Qinwen marked her first completed victory over a top-100 player. She then achieved further wins over higher-ranked opponents Yuliia Starodubtseva and Zhu Lin.
A particularly hard-fought victory over Emma Raducanu highlighted Sun’s comfort on the renowned grass courts of the All England Club.
This was Sun’s first encounter with the British wildcard and her maiden appearance on Centre Court.
“Walking through the doors … I was thinking ‘wow, I’ve never seen this’ and I was just looking around and taking it all in for the first time,” she said with a smile.
Despite the awe of the moment, Sun remained focused on what she called the biggest opportunity of her career so far. In a composed performance, she struck 15 winners compared to Raducanu’s two to secure the first set.
Raducanu, who famously won the US Open 2021 title as a teenage qualifier, fought back to force a decider. However, Sun maintained her composure and pressure to claim a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 victory after two hours and 50 minutes.
“I think staying aggressive was definitely a key point to the match,” said Sun, who ultimately tallied 52 winners and won 23 of her 28 net points.
“It worked well because getting her to move and getting her on the defense was what I wanted. As soon as she gets aggressive on her side, then the chance gets smaller for me.”