Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sonay Kartal

How Sonay Kartal built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sonay Kartal is a British tennis player who has achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 49 in singles on June 23, 2025. She has won one WTA Tour title and fourteen ITF titles, all in the singles category. Kartal is an accomplished player making her mark in professional tennis.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 2021: First Title Win

In November 2021, Kartal won her first title at the Antalya 15k event, defeating Amarissa Toth in the final.

2021: UK Pro League Title & Year-End Ranking

In 2021, Kartal won the women's title at the UK Pro League, defeating Freya Christie in the final, and ended the year ranked 993.

2021: Top-200 Debut

Kartal's performance in Trnava in 2021 allowed her to make her top-200 debut. She ended the year ranked No. 198.

2021: Late Season Success

Late in 2021, Kartal began a string of successes.

April 2022: BJK Cup Team Selection

In April 2022, Kartal was part of the BJK Cup team for the qualifying tie in Prague against the Czech Republic, but she was not selected to play any matches.

2022: Continued Success into 2022

Early in the 2022 season, Kartal continued her success from late 2021 by winning her third title at the 25k Birmingham event and a second consecutive 25k title in Glasgow.

2022: Wimbledon Championships Debut

In 2022, Kartal was awarded a main-draw wildcard at the Wimbledon Championships, marking her major debut, where she lost in the first round to Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove.

2023: Australian Open and Sunderland W60 Event

In 2023, Kartal lost in the first qualifying round of the Australian Open to Elizabeth Mandlik. As a wildcard player, she entered the W60 event in Sunderland, England, falling in the quarterfinals to Mona Barthel.

June 2024: Wimbledon Championships Qualification

In June 2024, Kartal qualified for the first time at the Wimbledon Championships, earning a spot in the main draw and defeating Sorana Cirstea and Clara Burel. She reached the third round, losing to Coco Gauff.

2024: Jasmin Open Victory

In 2024, Kartal reached her first WTA Tour quarterfinal at the Jasmin Open in Monastir, Tunisia, and ultimately won the final against Rebecca Šramková. As a result, she broke into the top 100.

March 2025: WTA 1000 Debut and Ranking Improvement

In March 2025, Kartal debuted at Indian Wells as a lucky loser, achieving her maiden win against a top-20 player and reaching the fourth round. She moved up to a new career-high ranking of 63.

June 2025: Top 50 Debut

Following Roland Garros, Kartal made her top 50 debut on 9 June 2025.

June 2025: Career-High Ranking

In June 2025, Sonay Kartal achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 49 in singles.

2025: Billie Jean King Cup Debut

In 2025, Kartal debuted for the Great Britain Billie Jean King Cup team, recording a win over Jule Niemeier and defeating Eva Vedder as Great Britain secured a place at the finals.