LONDON — Rising British tennis star Sonay Kartal has celebrated her breakthrough Wimbledon run with a permanent tribute—a tattoo inspired by the iconic tournament. The 22-year-old, who became the first British woman since 1999 to reach the third round as a qualifier, revealed the ink on social media, captioning it: "A piece of Wimbledon with me forever."
Kartal’s tattoo features the tournament’s signature green and purple colors, along with the year "2024" and a subtle nod to Centre Court. The design, she explained, commemorates her career-defining performance, where she defeated 29th seed Sorana Cîrstea and France’s Clara Burel before falling to second seed Coco Gauff in a hard-fought battle. "This tournament changed my life," Kartal told reporters. "I wanted something to remind me of that forever."
A Breakthrough Run
Kartal’s journey at Wimbledon 2024 captivated British fans, as she became the first homegrown female qualifier in 25 years to advance to the third round. Ranked No. 298 entering the tournament, she battled through three qualifying matches before stunning former world No. 21 Cîrstea in straight sets. Her fearless baseline aggression and composure under pressure drew comparisons to Emma Raducanu’s 2021 US Open triumph.
Her run included:
- A dominant 6-3, 6-2 win over Burel in the first round
- A gritty 7-5, 6-3 victory against Cîrstea, her first top-50 scalp
- A valiant effort against Gauff, pushing the American to 6-4, 6-0 in front of a roaring Court No. 1 crowd
The Turning Point
Kartal credited her mental resilience for the breakthrough. "Last year, I lost in qualifying and was devastated," she admitted. "But I told myself, ‘Next year, I’m coming back stronger.’ That belief carried me." Her coach, former British No. 1 Naomi Cavaday, highlighted Kartal’s improved serve and tactical adaptability as key factors in her success.
The Tattoo Story
The tattoo, inked just days after her Wimbledon exit, features a minimalist design with the tournament’s signature colors and the words "Centre Court 2024" in delicate script. Kartal shared the reveal on Instagram, where fans flooded the comments with praise. Fellow British player Katie Boulter wrote, "Love this! You earned it."
Kartal explained the symbolism: "The purple and green are Wimbledon’s soul. The year marks my breakthrough, and ‘Centre Court’ is where I dreamed of playing since I was a kid." She added that the tattoo was a reward for years of perseverance, including a 2022 wrist injury that nearly derailed her career.
What’s Next for Kartal?
With her ranking set to rise inside the top 150, Kartal has her sights on direct entry into the US Open. She’s also been awarded a wildcard for the upcoming WTA 250 event in Nottingham. "This is just the start," she declared. "I’ve proven I belong at this level."
British tennis pundits have hailed her as the next big hope for women’s tennis in the UK. Former Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade noted, "Sonay’s fearlessness and work ethic remind me of the young players who break through when they stop doubting themselves."
Conclusion
Sonay Kartal’s Wimbledon tattoo isn’t just ink—it’s a symbol of belief, perseverance, and a career-altering fortnight. As she prepares for the hardcourt season, her story serves as inspiration for aspiring players everywhere. "Dream big, work harder," she said with a smile. "And maybe get a tattoo if it means that much to you."