Sonay Kartal

Sonay Kartal Biography

Sonay Kartal is a British professional tennis player known for her powerful baseline game and resilience on the court. Born in 2001, she has quickly risen through the ranks of British tennis, notably making history in 2024 as the first British qualifier to reach the third round of Wimbledon since 1997. She is celebrated for her determination, overcoming health challenges, and winning her maiden WTA title at the 2024 Jasmin Open, establishing herself as an inspiring figure in the sport.

Childhood

Sonay Kartal was born on October 28, 2001, in Sidcup, London, England. She is of Turkish descent through her father and was raised in Brighton, England, where she still resides. Inspired to play tennis after watching her older brother, she began the sport at age six. Her upbringing in a supportive family environment contributed to her early passion and dedication to tennis.

Education

Kartal attended Longhill High School in Brighton. Despite early promise in tennis, she chose to focus on a professional sports career rather than pursue the college tennis route, a decision she made at a young age. Her education ran alongside her growing commitment to tennis, balancing academic life with rigorous training schedules under the guidance of coaches such as Julie Hobbs and Ben Reeves.

Career

Turning professional in 2019, Sonay Kartal began her career competing in ITF tournaments. She quickly made a mark by winning multiple ITF titles and the UK Pro League title in 2021. She debuted on the WTA Tour in 2022 and has steadily improved her world ranking, reaching a career-high singles ranking of World No. 44 by July 2025. A landmark moment was her historic run at Wimbledon in 2024, where, as a qualifier, she defeated established players to reach the third round. Her powerful baseline tactics and mental toughness have distinguished her on the international tennis circuit.

Family Life

Sonay Kartal comes from a supportive family with strong Turkish roots. While public details about her private relationships and family life remain minimal, it is known that she has a close bond with her older brother, whose influence sparked her interest in tennis. There is no widely available information about her current partner or children, as she maintains a private personal life away from the spotlight.

Achievements

Kartal’s significant achievements include winning 14 ITF singles titles and clinching her first WTA Tour title at the 2024 Jasmin Open. She made history as the first British qualifier since 1997 to reach the third round of Wimbledon. Additionally, she has earned respectable rankings in both singles and doubles, with her highest singles ranking being World No. 44. Her career prize money has surpassed $675,000, marking her as one of British tennis's rising stars, inspiring young athletes and representing multiculturalism in sport.

Controversies

Sonay Kartal has maintained a clean image throughout her career, with no public controversies or scandals reported. Known for her professionalism and focus on her sport, she has garnered respect for overcoming health issues early in 2024 that nearly forced her to withdraw from Wimbledon. Her resilience and dedication continue to be highlighted as defining traits in media coverage.

Sonay Kartal Summary

Sonay Kartal is a promising British tennis player of Turkish descent who has quickly risen in the competitive tennis world. From her early start inspired by her family to her decision to turn pro at a young age, Kartal has shown dedication and remarkable talent. Her historic Wimbledon performance and WTA title win underscore a career on an upward trajectory. With a clean record and inspiring personal story, Kartal continues to build her legacy as a role model in British and international tennis.