Sonay Kartal’s Wimbledon Debut
On Sunday, Sonay Kartal is set to make her long-awaited debut on Wimbledon’s illustrious Centre Court, marking a significant milestone in her tennis journey. At just 23 years old, Kartal has captured the imagination of a diverse fanbase, aided by her striking appearance—complete with 14 tattoos—and a distinct retro style featuring baggy Adidas clothing. Her upbringing adds a unique layer to her story; having spent her childhood working in her family’s kebab shop, every victory in the sport has been hard-earned and deeply personal.
Early Struggles and Growth
Reflecting on her early days in tennis, Kartal recounted how her initial experiences were overshadowed by anxiety.
“We had a warm-up called the lines game, where the coach would call out different lines and we would race to them. I was so shy that for the first three months, I couldn’t bring myself to join in,”
she shared. Eventually coaxed back to the court by her coach Julie Hobbs, a former British number one, Kartal’s early struggles are a relatable tale for many young athletes.
Recent Achievements and Inspiration
Fast forward to the present: she recently showcased her skills at a bustling Court 16, where she partnered with Jodie Burrage for doubles, captivating an audience largely comprised of young fans. After a series of impressive singles victories, Kartal stands as the last British woman remaining in the singles competition, igniting hopes that her journey will motivate other girls who may feel intimidated by sports.
“It’s incredible to witness more girls getting comfortable with having muscle and strength,”
Kartal reflected, emphasizing the evolving perceptions around female athletes.
“Tennis is growing more inclusive, with players of all shapes and sizes making their mark in the game. If I can inspire kids—both boys and girls—then that makes my journey worthwhile.”
Path to Success
Before fully committing to tennis at age 13, Kartal was an avid participant in football and cricket, showcasing her love for sports from a young age. While her recent doubles match alongside Burrage did not yield the anticipated outcome, her teammate was quick to highlight Kartal’s sensational journey.
“Her story emphasizes that there’s no singular path to success; there are countless ways to achieve your dreams,”
Burrage remarked, as they prepared for Kartal’s pivotal match against Russian player Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Maintaining Humility and Focus
Currently, Kartal’s professional ranking has soared from being 864 just a year ago to the top 50, possibly positioning her to become Britain’s number two player after Wimbledon. Despite the spotlight shining brighter on her, Kartal has managed to remain grounded. Her initial introduction to tennis came when she was just six years old, after a local coach visited her father’s restaurant and invited her to join a club. Though she enjoyed competitive play against peers like Emma Raducanu during her junior years, much of her development has been outside the media glare.
Interestingly, she maintains a humble social media presence, focused more on her love for animals and food than on the pressures of fame. Unlike many who rush to change their coaching structure upon reaching success, Kartal has steadfastly retained her original coaches from Brighton, illustrating her belief in their shared journey towards the WTA Tour.
Embracing the Spotlight
Kartal’s headspace remains refreshing; she appreciates her gym’s respect for her privacy and intends to keep enjoying her routine, even as her profile grows.
“I’ve lived quietly, but I can embrace the spotlight when it comes. It’s all a part of the journey,”
she added, suggesting a balance between staying true to herself and navigating her newfound recognition.
