Mika Stojsavljevic, a 17-year-old tennis player from Ealing, has been tipped to compete among the world's best after receiving a wildcard entry to Wimbledon. Iain Bates, head of women's tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), expressed confidence in her ability to challenge top players.
Wildcard and Rising Star
Stojsavljevic, ranked GB No. 7, was awarded a women's singles main draw wildcard by the All England Club. She previously reached the Wimbledon Junior final in 2024 and lost to 31st seed Ashlyn Krueger in the first round of the senior competition last year.
Bates highlighted her performance in the Billie Jean King Cup tie in Melbourne in April, where she defeated top-60 player Talia Gibson on her debut. “Mika showed everything that she can bring,” Bates said. “When she's playing her best tennis, she can compete with some of the best players.”
Grass Court Potential
Bates noted that Stojsavljevic's aggressive style suits grass courts. “She'll bring that same game to the grass, where she's got a big, aggressive style,” he added. “Her ranking is on an upward trajectory, and we hope she can continue towards Grand Slam qualifiers and main tour events.”
At the Birmingham Open this year, Stojsavljevic became the youngest woman to reach the quarter-finals, further showcasing her potential.
British Wildcards and Competition
Six British women have received main draw wildcards so far, including Harriet Dart, Alicia Dudeney, Katie Swan, Mimi Xu, and Hannah Klugman. They join Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, and Francesca Jones, who have already secured direct qualification.
Bates emphasized the importance of wildcards for young players: “Having the opportunity to play at Wimbledon at home is a huge opportunity. It's a chance to experience high-level competition, get big wins, and progress in rankings.”
For updates on the British summer grass court season, visit the LTA website.
