“She’s still with me,” Li Tu said after sealing his spot in the US Open main draw during the qualifiers. And just like that, Tu’s story became one of the most heartwarming narratives on the tennis courts this season. But his journey to this moment wasn’t your typical rise to stardom. Imagine leaving behind a sport you’ve dedicated your youth to, only to rediscover your passion years later. That’s exactly what Tu did—quitting tennis at 18, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Adelaide University, and then deciding to return and chase what might have been. Behind this adventurous comeback, though, lies a story of profound personal struggle but perhaps none as deeply emotional as the absence of his mother.

Sports runs in Li Tu’s blood. His father Yi Xing Tu, was “really sporty” and loved playing basketball and volleyball. At just 5, the Australian star started going for badminton training with his brother Chen. But his mother was quite different. In an emotional revelation, Tu shared that her mother only wished her to be happy. “You don’t have to play if you don’t want to,” used to be her words whenever things went unfavorable for the Australian star. However, Tu lost his biggest support system in 2022. 

In September 2022, Tu lost his mother, Yu Ping Zheng, who had been long battling lung cancer. The Australian star penned an emotional note for her one month after her demise. “It has been the toughest 2 months of my life. Watching you battle cancer, struggle and fight every day as you slowly lost your senses. Continuing tennis training because you were relentless that I must keep going and you are “getting better”. Being by your side as you took your last breath on 24/09/22 surrounded by our family who love you so much,” Tu wrote on her mother’s birthday. Continuing further, he made an emotional revelation sharing that his mother promised him to come for his tournament in Korea.

“Coming over to Korea the day after your funeral, I wasn’t sure I could do it but before every match, I looked up at the sky and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw you,” Tu wrote. And these sentiments were understandable given the remarkable bond he shared with his mother. It was Tu’s mother who continuously ensured that he was getting a proper diet, wearing sunscreen, and getting enough sleep. Tu, meanwhile, equally reciprocated the love of his mother. 

Tu revealed that as he returned from a challenger event in Chicago in 2022, he found his mother bedridden. “I was like, ‘Oh, wow, it’s really declined here’. And that’s when I took a long break. I sort of stopped traveling, and I spent a lot of time at home,” Tu revealed sharing the impact of his mother’s illness on him. But now, Tu seems to have navigated a way through his emotions. And as he gears up for his first match against Jiri Lehecka, the Australian star is exuding great confidence. 

“Lot more prepared” – Li Tu beaming with confidence ahead of the Australian Open

When Li Tu took a break from professional tennis, he started a coaching business with a member of his current team, Ben Milner, and focused on mentoring future generations. But time evolved and he now has been granted the opportunity to play another grand slam in his career, just months after he qualified for the main draw of the US Open. 

Speaking about his sentiments to ATP Tour.com, Tu said, “(I was) coaching, having nothing, this not being in my sights whatsoever. And then all of a sudden, playing back-to-back main draws at Slams. It’s truly incredible.” Now, he wishes to make the most use of the opportunity he has received through his wild card entry and is confident of leaving an indelible mark at the first Grand Slam of the year at the Australian Open. 

“I think I’ll be able to handle that occasion better. I think I’m a lot more prepared to play best-of-five sets as well. Not just very prepared to play but also really, really keen to get in front of the home crowd. Really keen to play a home Slam,” he said. Li Tu’s journey is more than a tennis comeback; it’s a testament to resilience, love, and the power of never giving up on your dreams. As he gears up for his first match, it will be interesting to see how he manages his emotions and give his best on the court.