Sun fuels Kiwis with hope

• Published date: 10 April 2024
• Author: TENNIS
• Publication title: Whanganui Chronicle

World number 169 Sun, who switched allegiance to her country of birth last month, was in the three-woman team to take on South Korea in the opening round of the Asia/Oceania group one tournament due to have been played overnight (NZT)

When her move was ratified, Te Anau-born Sun became the highest-ranked New Zealand singles player since Marina Erakovic seven years ago.

Her decision was finalised while competing at the ASB Classic in January, saying at the time she always cherished her connection to New Zealand, with her grandparents still living in Te Anau.

She reached the second round of the tournament before discussing the process with Tennis New Zealand New Zealand officials.

New Zealand team manager Matt Hair said their hopes of advancing at the six-nation Billie Jean King Cup event in Chansa have been boosted by Sun’s arrival and her workload would be carefully managed.

“It’s great to have Lulu here, she’s 169 in the world and that’s a great bonus for our team to have her playing,” Hair said.

“It’s obviously important to keep Lulu fresh throughout the week. It will come down to the doubles, it’s a day-to-day thing and obviously, we’re looking after the singles [as the priority].”

“But we’re wary to keep her fresh throughout the week for her singles.”

The two leading teams at the week-long tournament...