British tennis has long searched for its next big breakthrough beyond the familiar names of Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu. In 2025, one name has begun to resonate with increasing strength — Sonay Kartal. The Brighton-born player has been quietly climbing the WTA rankings, capturing hearts with her resilience, poise, and aggressive baseline play. Her journey has not been a sudden leap to fame but a steady climb fuelled by determination, discipline, and self-belief.
Sonay Kartal’s rise is not merely a story of sporting success. It symbolises a broader narrative about opportunity, representation, and the growing strength of British women’s tennis. As she continues to impress on both the ITF and WTA circuits, Kartal has become a name that tennis enthusiasts across the UK are watching with renewed optimism.
Early Life and Introduction to Tennis
Born in Brighton in 2001, Sonay Kartal’s passion for tennis emerged early. She began playing at a young age and quickly demonstrated a natural talent that set her apart. Growing up in a multicultural household, Kartal’s upbringing was shaped by both discipline and determination. Her family encouraged her to pursue tennis with seriousness, enrolling her in local clubs where her potential was soon recognised by national coaches.
Her early years on the junior circuit were marked by rapid progress. She gained attention for her powerful forehand and ability to dictate play from the baseline. By her mid-teens, Kartal had established herself as one of the most promising young British players.
Breaking Through the Ranks
Kartal’s journey through the ranks has not been without challenges. Injuries and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted her progress. Yet, her return to the court in late 2021 saw her stronger than ever. Her impressive performances in ITF tournaments across Europe in 2022 signalled a turning point.
By 2023, she had cracked the top 200 in the WTA rankings, an important milestone that placed her among Britain’s leading female players. Her game, built on precision and power, started to mature. She learned to adapt her tactics for different surfaces — a vital skill in modern tennis. Her improved serve and sharper movement gave her an edge in tight matches, especially on hard courts.
2024: A Defining Year for Sonay Kartal
The 2024 season became a breakthrough year for Sonay Kartal. Competing across major ITF and WTA events, she secured a series of strong results that drew attention from UK tennis analysts. Her performance at Wimbledon 2024 was particularly memorable. Although she did not progress beyond the third round, her fighting spirit against higher-ranked opponents won her fans across the country.
The All England Club crowd embraced her tenacity, applauding her calm under pressure. Her composure on Centre Court reflected not only technical skill but also mental strength — a trait essential for long-term success in professional tennis. British tennis commentators described her as “a player with the composure of a veteran and the hunger of a debutant.”
In interviews, Kartal acknowledged that her Wimbledon run gave her renewed belief. “Playing in front of a home crowd reminded me why I started — to compete with pride and passion,” she said after her exit from the tournament.
Sonay Kartal’s 2025 Season: Climbing Higher
As the 2025 tennis season unfolds, Sonay Kartal continues to impress. Ranked within the top 120 globally, she has become a regular face at WTA 250 events, competing alongside some of the sport’s brightest names. Her performances at tournaments in Madrid, Dubai, and Doha have demonstrated her growing consistency.
British Tennis Federation officials have praised her progress, citing her as an example of how dedication and long-term player development can pay off. With Emma Raducanu recovering from injury and Katie Boulter maintaining steady form, Kartal’s rise adds crucial depth to Britain’s women’s tennis scene.
Experts note that Kartal’s adaptability across surfaces could be key to her success in the coming years. On clay, she has shown increasing patience and tactical maturity, while on grass, her aggressive playstyle makes her a dangerous opponent.
The Mental Game: Strength Beyond the Racket
In an era where mental health is rightly recognised as a cornerstone of athletic success, Sonay Kartal has spoken openly about the importance of maintaining balance. Her grounded personality and family support have been central to her journey. She has also expressed gratitude to her coaching team, who emphasise mindfulness and emotional resilience.
This approach mirrors a broader shift within British sport, where mental well-being is seen as integral to peak performance. Kartal’s openness has earned her respect among fans who see her not just as a talented player but as a role model for aspiring athletes.
Representation and Inspiration in British Sport
Sonay Kartal’s story holds cultural resonance. As a British player of Turkish descent, her success reflects the evolving diversity of British tennis. Her presence on the global stage has been celebrated as a symbol of inclusion and representation within UK sport.
This conversation connects with larger discussions about gender and equality in British athletics. Issues surrounding misogyny and barriers faced by female athletes continue to surface across sporting institutions. Kartal’s success, built on merit and resilience, challenges outdated narratives and encourages more young girls to take up the sport.
Training, Coaching, and Development
Kartal trains under a structured regime designed to enhance both her physical endurance and technical precision. Her coaches have focused on building explosive movement, quick recovery, and controlled aggression. According to those close to her camp, Kartal’s daily routine includes conditioning sessions, tactical drills, and mental preparation — all essential components of her steady progress.
She has also benefited from the support of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which has identified her as a key figure in its 2025 development programme. The LTA’s renewed focus on nurturing female talent has provided Kartal with valuable access to training facilities, sports psychologists, and medical teams.
Sonay Kartal at Wimbledon and Beyond
Every British tennis player dreams of shining at Wimbledon, and for Sonay Kartal, that stage holds special significance. Her performances there in recent years have showcased her growth and adaptability. She has demonstrated the kind of self-belief that British fans admire — the quiet determination to fight for every point.
With Wimbledon 2025 on the horizon, Kartal is once again preparing for a deep run. The buzz around her return to the All England Club is growing, and many analysts believe she could be among the dark horses of the tournament.
For fans planning to attend, travelling through Wembley Park Station remains one of the easiest routes to access London’s sporting venues, including those that host major tennis events in the capital.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Paris and Beyond
The upcoming Paris 2025 and WTA Finals could offer Kartal more chances to showcase her talent on the global stage. If her current trajectory continues, a top-100 finish by the end of the season seems within reach. Her long-term ambition remains clear: to represent Britain at the highest levels of international tennis, including the Grand Slams and the Olympic Games.
She has also expressed interest in contributing to youth development once her playing career matures. “I’d love to inspire the next generation, especially young girls who might not see tennis as accessible,” she recently told a UK-based outlet.
A Broader Reflection: The New Era of British Tennis
The rise of players like Sonay Kartal signals a new chapter in British tennis. The landscape is now more competitive, diverse, and dynamic than ever. Kartal, Raducanu, and Boulter together form a trio that offers hope for sustained British success on the women’s circuit.
Their progress also reflects the growing grassroots engagement with tennis across the country, supported by national initiatives and local clubs. As major cultural events such as Diwali 2025 and Remembrance Day remind us of community, heritage, and reflection, figures like Kartal stand as examples of unity through sport.
FAQs about Sonay Kartal
1. Who is Sonay Kartal?
Sonay Kartal is a professional British tennis player from Brighton. She is known for her powerful baseline play and rising success on the WTA circuit.
2. How old is Sonay Kartal?
As of 2025, Sonay Kartal is 24 years old.
3. What is Sonay Kartal’s world ranking?
In early 2025, she ranks within the top 120 players globally, continuing her steady climb in the WTA rankings.
4. What are Sonay Kartal’s career highlights so far?
Her standout moments include strong performances at Wimbledon and multiple ITF titles across Europe. She is also recognised for her progress on hard and grass courts.
5. What are Sonay Kartal’s future goals?
Kartal aims to break into the world’s top 100, win a WTA title, and represent Britain in major international tournaments, including the Olympics.
Final Thoughts
Sonay Kartal’s journey captures the essence of British sport — resilience, ambition, and heart. Her story is not just about tennis but about perseverance and representation. As she continues to rise, her success could redefine the future of British women’s tennis.
In a sporting era where authenticity and determination matter as much as trophies, Sonay Kartal stands out as a beacon of both. Whether she’s competing at Wimbledon or training for her next big match, one thing is certain: her best chapters are yet to be written.
