Zeynep Sonmez’s Incredible Rise from Ballgirl to Turkish Tennis Star

Zeynep Sonmez: From Ballgirl to Turkish Tennis Trailblazer

Zeynep Sonmez’s rapid rise in the world of tennis has captured the attention of fans both in Turkey and around the globe. At just 22 years old, Sonmez recently clinched her first Hologic WTA Tour title at the Merida Open Akron, becoming the second Turkish woman ever to win a WTA title and break into the Top 100. This milestone, along with her Athlete of the Year award at the Harper’s Bazaar Türkiye Women of the Year awards, has solidified her position as one of the most promising young players on the tour.

A Defining Moment: From Merida to the Spotlight

Sonmez’s victory in Merida has been transformative. It marked a pivotal point in her career, not just for the trophy but for the confidence it instilled in her. “The attention and love I received was amazing, and I’m very grateful to have the award in my house,” Sonmez shared after being honored in Istanbul. Her win in Merida was particularly special, as it not only elevated her career but also brought attention to Turkish tennis on the international stage. Sonmez’s achievement mirrors that of Cagla Buyukakcay, who made history in 2016 as the first Turkish woman to win a WTA title.

From Childhood Passion to Professional Dreams

Sonmez’s journey to tennis stardom began in her childhood. Although initially enrolled in swimming and basketball, it was tennis that captured her heart. She was drawn to the sport after attending a holiday camp, where her first coach saw potential in her despite her initial disinterest in other sports. However, it was watching live tennis events, particularly the WTA Finals in Istanbul from 2011 to 2013, that truly ignited her passion. “The atmosphere and the players were perfect,” Sonmez recalled, naming icons like Victoria Azarenka, Li Na, and Serena Williams as her inspirations.

Sonmez later became a ballgirl at the Istanbul event, and witnessing Buyukakcay’s historic win in 2016 was a powerful moment. “It was very emotional for me,” she said, reflecting on the inspiration it provided for her and other Turkish players.

Mental Strength and Aggression Fuel Her Success

Sonmez’s breakthrough in 2024 was not only about refining her technical skills but also her mental game. A hallmark of her Merida title was her aggressive play, especially her determination to dominate at the net. She worked tirelessly on her attacking game, knowing that in the Top 150, it’s no longer enough to simply rely on movement and footwork. Her mentality shifted to focus on taking control of points. “My mentality isn’t, ‘I’m going to hit a volley.’ It’s more, ‘I’m going to go to net and play aggressively,'” she explained.

Sonmez also credits her Merida victory to the mental lessons she learned from her losses, particularly from a heartbreaking defeat in Wimbledon qualifying. The experience taught her the importance of staying focused on the present moment, which ultimately helped her manage pressure during her championship match in Merida.

Sportsmanship and Advocacy Beyond Tennis

Sonmez’s commitment to sportsmanship extends beyond the tennis court. She believes in maintaining integrity and fairness, even in moments where winning could come at the expense of being dishonest. “I would prefer to be remembered as a good person than for winning that point I didn’t deserve,” she said, recalling a moment at the Monastir quarterfinals when both she and her opponent Eva Lys overruled calls in the spirit of fair play.

Beyond sports, Sonmez has also used her platform to advocate for causes she deeply believes in. Throughout the year, she wore a watermelon pin in support of Palestinians, a symbol of resistance during times of injustice. “If I can take even a little bit of attention to them, that’s good,” she shared. Her desire to raise awareness for global issues shows that her passion for making a difference extends far beyond tennis.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Sonmez

With her sights set on 2025, Sonmez is eager to continue her rise in the rankings. Her goal is to stay in the Top 100 for the long term and build on the success she has already achieved. With her talent, mindset, and heart for both tennis and global issues, Zeynep Sonmez is well on her way to leaving an indelible mark on the world of tennis.