PARIS — British tennis sensation Sonay Kartal made headlines at the French Open this week—not just for her winning debut but for an awkward scheduling clash that saw her accidentally double-booked, leading to an unexpected intervention from her sister.
The 22-year-old qualifier, ranked No. 298 in the world, secured a hard-fought victory over Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu in her first-ever Grand Slam main-draw match. However, the triumph was nearly overshadowed by a chaotic mix-up when Kartal’s team mistakenly scheduled her post-match press conference at the same time as her mandatory recovery session.
A Sisterly Rescue
With Kartal torn between obligations, her older sister, Ayla—a former tennis player herself—stepped in to handle the press duties. "I was in the middle of my cool-down when I realized the timing overlapped," Kartal admitted later. "Ayla knows the drill, so she went out there and answered questions for me. It was a bit embarrassing, but also kind of funny."
Ayla, who retired from professional tennis in 2020, fielded questions with humor, joking, "I guess I’m the backup Kartal today! But seriously, Sonay played an incredible match, and I’m just proud to support her." The lighthearted moment quickly went viral, with fans praising the sisters’ bond.
A Breakthrough Performance
Despite the off-court hiccup, Kartal’s performance on Court 14 was nothing short of impressive. The Brighton-born player, who battled through three qualifying rounds, defeated the experienced Begu 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 in a grueling two-hour match. Key highlights included:
- A dominant first set, where Kartal won 83% of her first-serve points
- A crucial break in the third set after saving three break points
- A fearless net game, with 12 successful volleys
"I’ve worked so hard for this moment," Kartal said afterward. "To win my first Grand Slam match at Roland Garros, against such a tough opponent, feels surreal."
The Road Ahead
Kartal’s next challenge is a second-round clash against 29th seed Veronika Kudermetova. The Russian, a former top-20 player, presents a steep test, but Kartal remains undaunted. "I’ve got nothing to lose," she said. "I’ll just play my game and see what happens."
Her coach, former British No. 1 Jeremy Bates, praised her resilience: "Sonay’s mentality is her biggest strength. She thrives under pressure, and this is just the beginning for her."
A Family Affair
The Kartal sisters’ close relationship has been a cornerstone of Sonay’s rise. Ayla, who now works as a coach, has been a constant presence at tournaments, offering tactical advice and emotional support. "We’ve always been a team," Ayla said. "Tennis is in our blood, and seeing Sonay succeed means everything."
Their parents, Turkish immigrants who settled in the UK, introduced both daughters to tennis at a young age. Sonay credits her family’s sacrifices for her success: "Without them, I wouldn’t be here. They’ve given up so much for my dreams."
Conclusion
While the double-booking blunder provided a moment of levity, Sonay Kartal’s French Open debut was a testament to her talent and determination. With her sister by her side and a fearless attitude, the young Brit is poised to make even bigger waves in the tennis world. As she put it: "This is just the start. I’m hungry for more."