CREDIT: LTA
While much of Wimbledon 2025 may revolve around those in the spotlight, Sonay Kartal has been making her name off the court—and now she’s making her way to the court. The 22-year-old Brighton native, entering Wimbledon 2025 as Britain’s No. 3 and ranked No. 76 in the world, has made her way to the fourth round after a nail-biter against Jelena Ostapenko.
For Sonay Kartal, this wasn’t just another career-defining win in the second round but rather, a calling card. A reminder that in one of tennis’ hallowed halls, no seat is ever booked for life.
Details of What Had Centre Court Abuzz
Facing the fierce Ostapenko, WTA champion and 2017 French Open winner renowned for her deep hitting, Kartal never flinched. The match metrics only offer part of the story:
- First serve in: 69%
- Winners/unforced errors: 24/18
- Break points saved: 8 of 11
But these do not paint the full picture. By the end of the deadlocked third set, Centre Court was abuzz. An incredible 26-shot rally at 5-5 had the crowd go “Oh” and “Ahh”, and when Kartal won with a forehand down the line, the audience burst into applause.
From the Courts of Brighton to Wimbledon Centre Court
Kartal’s experience is uncomplicated. No junior Grand Slam titles. No sixteen year-old articles written about her. Just a successful work ethic. She didn’t crack the top 300 until two years ago. Since then she’s been on a surge with two ITF titles last year, barely breaking into the top 150, and now, to the second week of Wimbledon as the first British female outside of top 50 to do so in almost 50 years.
Her success hasn’t come overnight. Coaches who’ve worked with Kartal speak of her discipline. “She’s not the loudest player, but she listens, she learns, and she puts in the work,” said one former LTA coach after her latest win.
The Tattoos and the Talking Point
It’s not just Kartal’s tennis that has fans chatting. Her on-court style — simple kit, no huge brand deal (yet) — feels refreshing. And then there’s the ink: a small rose on her wrist, a delicate script on her forearm. Neither flashy, but both noticed as her photos flood social media.
But for Kartal, it’s always been about tennis. After the Ostapenko match, she smiled when asked about the tattoos, saying simply: “They mean something to me, but I hope people are watching how I play.”
How the Tennis World is Reacting Edits
Support for Kartal has come from those close to her. Like Andy Murray who, while sitting courtside, commented on Sonay’s performance on Instagram saying, “That was brilliant. Great to see Sonay flying the flag.”
Sonay’s former Fed Cup coach Anne Keothavong complimented her on Twitter saying “Sonay’s composure today was impressive. She’s earned her spot.”
Her commentators pointed out that she’s cool under pressure. As one of the BBC’s analysts said, “There’s no panic in her game…she’s thinking her way through these matches.”
Now Facing: Haddad Maia
Kartal will next face Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia, seeded 12th. She is a lefty with a heavy attacking style and will be challenging in different ways. But if anything, Kartal learned this week, it’s that she is ready for the fight.
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In her post-match press conference, Kartal opened up with her usual grounded self “Honestly, I just wanted to win a round or two. Now I’m in the fourth round. I’m just enjoying it and trying to play my best.”
A Boost for British Tennis
The LTA reported a 22% spike in junior event sign-ups since Kartal’s second-round win. Retailers say sales of rackets and kit saw a noticeable weekend bump.
And for fans? It’s given them someone new to cheer — a player who looks set to inspire a fresh generation.
The Numbers Behind the Journey
Let’s break down Kartal’s rise:
- 2023 year-end ranking: 132 (up from outside the top 300 at the start)
- 2024 highlights: Two ITF titles, Grand Slam main draw debuts in Melbourne and Paris
- 2025 so far: Career-high ranking, first top-20 win (at Wimbledon), over £1 million in prize money
Sonay Kartal celebrates on Centre Court. PA/John Walton
What Makes This Run Special
Ask those who’ve watched Kartal over the years, and they’ll say it’s not just the wins. It’s how she’s won. Calm. Clear-headed. Unflappable.
Sonay Kartal doesn’t have a 200 km/h serve or a booming forehand that grabs headlines. What she has is a game built on thought and timing — and the nerve to use it when it matters most.
And in the end, that’s what makes her a player fans are rallying behind.
