Wimbledon debutants ready for pro careers — two of Britain’s most promising teenage tennis stars, Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic, are preparing to make the leap from the junior circuit to the professional stage. Both 16-year-olds have enjoyed standout seasons, using Wimbledon and other Grand Slam events as springboards to showcase their talent. Now, they believe they are ready to compete regularly against the world’s best players on the WTA Tour.
Hannah Klugman’s Impressive Rise
Hannah Klugman has enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season that has seen her climb to a career-high junior ranking of world No. 2. She has consistently performed at the top level, reaching the French Open junior final, the US Open semi-finals, and the Wimbledon quarter-finals. This series of results has established her as one of the brightest young talents in British tennis.
Klugman made her professional debut at just 14 years old, giving her two years of experience balancing junior and senior events. With three full seasons of junior tennis behind her, she feels she has outgrown the level and is eager to move on.
“I think I’m done with juniors now. I’ve had a lot of exposure and I’m ready to step into the seniors,” Klugman explained in a recent interview.
Her coaching team has played a key role in her development. Ben Haran, her long-time coach, has guided her since she was nine, while fitness coach Jez Green and physiotherapist Will Herbert — who also work with men’s world No. 3 Alexander Zverev — ensure her physical readiness for the demands of the professional game.
Klugman’s playing style is versatile and aggressive. Known for her big serve and variety, she often mixes slice, volleys, and pace changes to disrupt her opponents. This variety is expected to serve her well on the WTA Tour, where adaptability is crucial.
Mika Stojsavljevic: Building on Junior Grand Slam Success
Alongside Klugman, Mika Stojsavljevic has built her own impressive résumé. She is a junior Grand Slam champion, having lifted the Girls’ US Open trophy in 2024. In 2025, she returned to defend her title but fell just short in the semi-finals. Despite that setback, her results have been strong enough to keep her firmly in the spotlight as one of Britain’s future stars.
Stojsavljevic’s first professional breakthrough came when she captured a $35,000 ITF title in Nottingham in April 2024. That victory earned her 35 WTA ranking points and valuable experience competing against seasoned professionals. Her main-draw debut at the WTA Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo further proved her potential when she took world No. 57 Moyuka Uchijima to a tight three-set battle, narrowly losing in a deciding tie-break.
“I feel my game is ready to play pro tennis,” Stojsavljevic said. “I’ve already beaten top players on the ITF circuit and shown I can compete with players ranked in the top 60. Now it’s about building consistency.”
Stojsavljevic trains at the LTA’s Loughborough Academy and is coached by former British No. 1 Jeremy Bates, who has previously worked with Katie Boulter and other top British talents.
Transitioning from Juniors to the Pro Tour
Both players agree that while junior tennis has been important for their development, there is a limit to what can be learned from competing at that level. Klugman openly admits that she sometimes wins junior matches without playing at her best — a scenario that does not prepare her for the relentless intensity of the pro circuit.
“These matches — I don’t have to play well to win them,” Klugman said. “In seniors, I definitely can’t do that. Every match is a battle, and you have to be at your highest level.”
The transition from junior to senior tennis can be challenging, but their early exposure to pro tournaments should smooth the process. Both have already competed against experienced players and understand the physical and mental demands required.
Expert Perspective and Caution
Former junior Wimbledon champion Annabel Croft offered a balanced perspective, noting that while the urge to progress is natural, players should not overlook the value of junior success.
“When I was playing juniors, I was exactly like Hannah,” Croft said. “I was more excited about senior Wimbledon than juniors. But in hindsight, winning those junior titles is one of my proudest moments. They will be in the history books forever.”
Despite her caution, Croft acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies with the players and their teams, who are best positioned to judge their readiness for the transition.
WTA Rules and Future Plans
The WTA’s age eligibility rules limit 16-year-olds to 12 professional tournaments per year. However, because Klugman is ranked in the top five of the junior rankings, she will be allowed to play an additional four professional events in 2025. This will give both players ample opportunity to gradually build their ranking points and gain experience without risking burnout.
Their immediate goals include breaking into the top 300 of the WTA rankings, competing in more ITF tournaments, and qualifying for WTA main draws. If they continue on their current trajectory, both Klugman and Stojsavljevic could find themselves in the top 100 by 2027 — a milestone that would qualify them for direct entry into Grand Slam events.
A Promising Era for British Tennis
The rise of Wimbledon debutants ready for pro careers like Klugman and Stojsavljevic is a positive sign for British tennis. Following the success of Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, and Jack Draper, the country is looking for the next wave of players to make an impact on the global stage.
Both teenagers have known each other since they were under-10 competitors and share a friendly rivalry that continues to drive them forward. Their journeys will not only inspire young tennis fans across Britain but also contribute to the growing strength of British women’s tennis on the world stage.
With strong coaching teams, proven junior results, and professional experience already under their belts, Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic are well-positioned to take the next step. Tennis fans will be watching closely as these two talented players begin their pursuit of WTA titles, Grand Slam appearances, and possibly a future place among the world’s elite.
Source: BBC Sport
