Sonay Kartal’s Remarkable Wimbledon Journey
For the 2025 Wimbledon tournament, scheduled from June 30 to July 13 at the renowned All England Club, Sonay Kartal is making headlines as she advances to the fourth round of the women’s singles—a remarkable first for her on such a grand stage. Standing at just 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm), Kartal is the shortest remaining competitor in the tournament, a distinction she embraces with pride, describing herself as a “proud short person.”
Overcoming Challenges with Unique Strategies
Despite her stature, Kartal insists that her height has spurred her to develop unique strategies that compensate for the physical advantages of taller players.
“Speed around the court has become my strength,”
she revealed in an interview with BBC Sport.
“I’ve focused on improving my agility rather than relying on long strides, which I simply don’t have.”
Acknowledging the challenges she faces, Kartal reflected on the input from Jodie Burrage, her doubles partner, who humorously pointed out that her height made her prone to more lobs. Yet, Kartal draws inspiration from compatriots like Jasmine Paolini, who, at the same height, reached the finals at Wimbledon the previous year.
“Paolini has shown that height isn’t necessary for success; her accomplishments motivate me greatly,”
she shared.
Support from the Tennis Community
Anne Keothavong, the captain of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team, amplified this sentiment by noting Kartal’s blend of power and agility, traits that have propelled her beyond the limitations typically associated with shorter players.
Looking Ahead to Centre Court
Kartal looks forward to her debut on Wimbledon’s prestigious Centre Court, where she will compete against Russian player Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
“This is a dream come true for any aspiring tennis player,”
she expressed, feeling immensely proud of her journey thus far.
A Journey of Validation and Confidence
Reflecting on her Wimbledon experience, she admits,
“This has been a surprising and validating journey. Grass isn’t my natural surface, and competing against players known for their strength has proven challenging. Yet, I’ve shown myself that I can compete at a high level, regardless of the surface I’m on. Win or lose, this week has boosted my confidence significantly.”
As Wimbledon progresses, Kartal embodies the spirit of determination and resilience, proving that passion and skill can triumph over physical constraints.
