Lexus Ilkley Open 2025: Banks through to first WTA 125 quarter-final in Ilkley

The 22-year-old who won her first pro title at the in W35 Traralgon last year, looked in control on court as she defeated Xu 6-2, 6-1 in one hour and 15 minutes.

The win continues Banks’ strong run in Ilkley after she knocked out fourth seed Olivia Gadecki in her opening match. The British wild card will move on to her first WTA 125 quarter-finals, where she’ll face Swiss qualifier Celine Naef.

Speaking after the match, Banks spoke highly of her compatriot as well as of her second round performance.

“From the start I was trying to say solid, keep myself in the points. I know Mimi has a really strong game so I had to come out firing and I was able to do that today.

“It's not the best (facing another Brit), I would have preferred it maybe in the later stages. Overall, the atmosphere was great and I knew Mimi was going to be a really tough opponent today. I was very happy to get through that match.”

The British No.9 is relishing the opportunity to play on the grass and is already looking ahead to Wimbledon. Last year, Banks was one win away from coming through qualifying for SW19 and in 2025, the young Briton has her eyes on making a debut at her home Slam.

“I feel like every match I play I'm getting more and more comfortable on the grass - it was the same last year. Each match I had I was able to build on that and I'm hoping to do the same if not better this year.

“(On Wimbledon qualification) Since I was three years old and my journey of being a tennis player, being in the main draw of Slams has always been my goal. Hopefully I can do that this year.”

Banks came out the blocks flying against last week’s Lexus Birmingham Open quarter-finalist and reeled off three consecutive breaks to clinch the opening set in just over 30 minutes. 

Xu managed a nervy hold in a deuce game at the start of the second set, but it turned out to be her last of the match. Banks turned up her level once again to take the next four games and give herself a chance to serve for the match. 

17-year-old Xu fought off four match points before Banks finally got over the line with a perfectly executed drop shot. 

Elsewhere, there wasn't as much success for the Brits - British No.5 Harriet Dart came close to a third set but lost out 3-6, 5-7 to fifth seed Diane Parry. British teen Henry Searle put in a strong performance, taking the first set from seventh seed Tristan Schoolkate before eventually losing out in three sets with a final score of 6-2, 1-6, 4-6.

Catch up on all the results from the Lexus Ilkley Open here.