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From Individual Success to Team Success: Xu and Vargova Find a Home at Duke
9/4/2026 12:36:00 PM | Women's Tennis
DURHAM, N.C. - Tennis is often an individual sport, but for Duke freshmen Mimi Xu and Nina Vargova, their first weeks in Durham have shown them the value of being on a team.
Both international student-athletes arrived at Duke two weeks ago, bringing extensive international experience to the collegiate level.
While adjusting to campus and the student-athlete lifestyle, both have appreciated the support of their new coaches and teammates.
"I've been really enjoying it," said Xu. "The team, the coaches, the girls -- everyone I've got to know. They're all just amazing people. I'm learning so much from everyone each day."
Vargova shared similar thoughts. "I've always enjoyed these team competitions and overall being part of a great team is something special for me. It's something that you don't usually have or experience on the pro tour."
Xu, who is originally from the United Kingdom, arrived at Duke with an impressive junior career. She reached the girls' semifinals at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships and advanced to the girls' singles semifinals at the 2024 U.S. Open. She owns a career-best Women's Tennis Association (WTA) singles ranking of No. 230 and a career-best International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior ranking of No. 8.
Xu said her team and coaches have helped to make the new experience an exciting one. "I love how we pump each other up on the court. We really encourage each other to be better each day."
Both newcomers shared that academics were a big motivator when making their decision to be a Blue Devil. For Vargova, who is originally from Slovakia, finding an environment where she can grow both athletically and academically was critical.
"I wanted to grow in both fields, so that's why I chose Duke," said Vargova.
Vargova first picked up a tennis racket when she was eight years old. Her parents then enrolled her in a local club, beginning her tennis career. Since then, Vargova has represented Slovakia on the international stage, earning silver and bronze medals in the 2023 European Championships and making her Billie Jean King Cup debut in 2025. She owns a career-best WTA singles ranking of No. 305 and a career-best WTA doubles ranking of No. 18.
Vargova also arrived at Duke to find a familiar face in junior Irina Balus, who also hails from Slovakia.
"We kind of grew up together and we played almost all of the junior tournaments together," said Vargova. "We know each other really well."
When the preseason Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings were released recently, Xu and Vargova made an immediate impact, earning the No. 1 ranking nationally in doubles. The duo has combined to win 21 career WTA doubles titles.
In singles, Vargova and Xu were ranked No. 79 and No. 81, respectively. In the ITA newcomer rankings, Vargova was No. 1 and Xu was No. 3.
"I knew I was coming into a group of girls who played high-level tennis and I knew that they would push me," said Xu. "I didn't come in thinking I was going to be ranked a certain way or play in a certain position. I've come with the mindset of being better and being part of a team because tennis is such an individual sport."
Both Blue Devils look forward to continuing to grow as players and enjoy their Duke experiences both on and off the court.
#GoDuke
Both international student-athletes arrived at Duke two weeks ago, bringing extensive international experience to the collegiate level.
While adjusting to campus and the student-athlete lifestyle, both have appreciated the support of their new coaches and teammates.
"I've been really enjoying it," said Xu. "The team, the coaches, the girls -- everyone I've got to know. They're all just amazing people. I'm learning so much from everyone each day."
Vargova shared similar thoughts. "I've always enjoyed these team competitions and overall being part of a great team is something special for me. It's something that you don't usually have or experience on the pro tour."
Xu, who is originally from the United Kingdom, arrived at Duke with an impressive junior career. She reached the girls' semifinals at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships and advanced to the girls' singles semifinals at the 2024 U.S. Open. She owns a career-best Women's Tennis Association (WTA) singles ranking of No. 230 and a career-best International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior ranking of No. 8.
Xu said her team and coaches have helped to make the new experience an exciting one. "I love how we pump each other up on the court. We really encourage each other to be better each day."
Both newcomers shared that academics were a big motivator when making their decision to be a Blue Devil. For Vargova, who is originally from Slovakia, finding an environment where she can grow both athletically and academically was critical.
"I wanted to grow in both fields, so that's why I chose Duke," said Vargova.
Vargova first picked up a tennis racket when she was eight years old. Her parents then enrolled her in a local club, beginning her tennis career. Since then, Vargova has represented Slovakia on the international stage, earning silver and bronze medals in the 2023 European Championships and making her Billie Jean King Cup debut in 2025. She owns a career-best WTA singles ranking of No. 305 and a career-best WTA doubles ranking of No. 18.
Vargova also arrived at Duke to find a familiar face in junior Irina Balus, who also hails from Slovakia.
"We kind of grew up together and we played almost all of the junior tournaments together," said Vargova. "We know each other really well."
When the preseason Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings were released recently, Xu and Vargova made an immediate impact, earning the No. 1 ranking nationally in doubles. The duo has combined to win 21 career WTA doubles titles.
In singles, Vargova and Xu were ranked No. 79 and No. 81, respectively. In the ITA newcomer rankings, Vargova was No. 1 and Xu was No. 3.
"I knew I was coming into a group of girls who played high-level tennis and I knew that they would push me," said Xu. "I didn't come in thinking I was going to be ranked a certain way or play in a certain position. I've come with the mindset of being better and being part of a team because tennis is such an individual sport."
Both Blue Devils look forward to continuing to grow as players and enjoy their Duke experiences both on and off the court.
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
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