**Show Must Go On: Sonay Kartal’s Inspiring Journey at Wimbledon**
Sonay Kartal, a remarkable talent in British tennis, is emerging as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Currently competing in the Wimbledon Championships 2025, Kartal’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her humble beginnings to her stunning rise in the global rankings, the phrase “the show must go on,” which she has tattooed on her body, encapsulates her relentless spirit and determination.
Before the start of last year’s Wimbledon, Kartal was ranked 298th in the world. Fast forward to 2025, and she is now positioned at an outstanding 51st. This impressive leap is a testament to her hard work and dedication, which has not gone unnoticed. The 23-year-old recently powered through to the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time, displaying her skill and composure on one of the sport’s biggest stages. She achieved this feat with a commanding victory over France’s Diane Parry, winning 6-4, 6-2 and claiming nine games in a row during the match.
Kartal’s journey has not been without its challenges. Prior to her success, she battled numerous injuries and financial constraints, having largely self-funded her tennis career. These obstacles would deter many, but for Kartal, they have served as motivation to push forward. She remarks that the phrase on her tattoo is representative of her journey, embodying the struggles and triumphs faced along the way.
Before her current ascension, Kartal faced a lot of setbacks, including a two-year hiatus from tennis due to injuries. Nevertheless, her unwavering commitment to the sport saw her rise from a struggling athlete to a formidable contender. Initially starting in tennis while balancing other sports like football and cricket, Kartal expresses that it was tennis where her true passion lay. “I always felt like I was slightly different as a player to most players at the time that I was growing up with,” she said, indicating her unique style and approach to the game.
As she has shown on the courts during Wimbledon, Kartal’s resilience and drive have produced remarkable results. She has taken down higher-seeded players, including the 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko, and made a significant impact with her wins. The thrilling aspect of her performance is that she remains unfazed by the spotlight. “I don’t think it’s going to affect me too much,” she noted, expressing her intention to remain focused irrespective of expectations. As she heads into her next match against world number 50 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who recently beat renowned player Naomi Osaka, Kartal maintains an attitude of optimism and readiness to give her all without the weight of pressure on her shoulders.
Kartal’s influence extends beyond athletic prowess. With her retro-style tennis wear resonating with her love for 1990s music, she embodies a unique blend of passion for tennis and a personal flair that sets her apart. Observers have noted her sincere dedication and determination, with former British tennis player Jamie Baker stating, “Sonny is just an amazing story… There’s nothing not to like about Sonny. She just gets on with her business.” Such commendations highlight the respect and admiration she has garnered from peers and fans alike.
With her sights set on progressing to the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, Kartal’s journey is an inspiring tale of resilience, dedication, and hope. As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly await further displays of her talent, with the potential that she could soon take the title of British number one, previously held by Emma Raducanu.
Sonay Kartal’s journey underscores the essence of perseverance in sports. With every match she plays, she is not only chasing titles but also redefining her narrative—a true embodiment of the phrase, “the show must go on.”
