LONDON — British tennis sensation Sonay Kartal found herself at the mercy of her sister’s artistic skills after a tough loss at Queen’s Club, revealing a heartfelt gesture that kept her spirits high. The 22-year-old, who has been making waves on the WTA Tour, got a new tattoo before leaving Paris—a decision she credits to her sister’s influence.
A Sister’s Influence
Kartal, who has been open about the role her family plays in her career, shared the story behind her new ink after her first-round exit at the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships. "My sister has always been my rock, and this tattoo was her idea—a little reminder to keep pushing forward," Kartal said with a smile.
The tattoo, a small but meaningful design on her wrist, symbolizes resilience and family support. Kartal’s sister, who is an artist, personally designed it. "She knows how much this journey means to me, and this was her way of keeping me grounded," Kartal explained.
From Paris to Queen’s
Kartal’s decision to get the tattoo came after a whirlwind trip from Paris, where she competed in the French Open qualifiers, to London for the grass-court season. Despite the quick turnaround, she made time for the sentimental gesture. "It was a spur-of-the-moment thing, but it felt right," she admitted.
The young Brit has been steadily climbing the rankings, and her performance at Queen’s, though not the result she hoped for, showcased her potential on grass. "Grass is where I feel most at home, and I’m excited for what’s next," she said.
Key Takeaways from Kartal’s Season
- Rising Rankings: Kartal has broken into the top 200 this year, a career-high for the Brighton native.
- Grass-Court Form: Her aggressive baseline game translates well to grass, as seen in her recent performances.
- Family Support: Her sister’s role extends beyond tattoos—she’s often seen cheering from the stands.
Looking Ahead
With Wimbledon just around the corner, Kartal is focused on fine-tuning her game. "I’ve learned so much this season, and I’m ready to take it match by match," she said. Her sister’s tattoo serves as a daily reminder of the bigger picture—family, perseverance, and the love of the game.
Kartal’s story is a testament to the importance of a strong support system in professional sports. "Without my family, none of this would be possible," she reflected. As she prepares for Wimbledon, fans can expect to see her sister’s artwork—and Kartal’s fighting spirit—on full display.
In a sport where mental toughness is just as crucial as physical skill, Kartal’s ability to stay grounded through family ties sets her apart. "Win or lose, I know I’ve got people who believe in me," she said. That belief, etched permanently on her wrist, might just be her secret weapon.
As the grass-court season heats up, Kartal’s journey—marked by family, ink, and relentless determination—is one to watch. Whether she’s on the court or getting a new tattoo, one thing’s for sure: her sister will be right there with her.