NEW YORK — British tennis star Sonay Kartal has arrived at the US Open with a fresh piece of ink and a renewed sense of confidence, following a breakout grass-court season that included a memorable and unusual moment at Wimbledon. The 22-year-old, who has battled through significant injuries and health challenges, is looking to continue her remarkable form on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Kartal took to social media just days before her US Open qualifying campaign to reveal a new tattoo on her forearm. The delicate script, written in cursive, reads: “Trust the timing of your life.” The phrase serves as a powerful mantra for a player whose career has been a testament to patience and perseverance, overcoming a debilitating knee injury and a battle with glandular fever that sidelined her for extended periods.
From Wimbledon's Court 14 to the US Open Spotlight
Kartal’s journey to the cusp of the main draw at a second consecutive major was catapulted by her stunning performance at Wimbledon. Ranked outside the top 200 at the time, she battled through three rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw, where she then scored a decisive first-round victory over No. 29 seed Sorana Cîrstea. However, it was her second-round match against Coco Gauff that produced the truly unusual moment.
Playing on an electric Court 14, Kartal pushed the eventual champion to her limits in a tight first set. The pivotal and bizarre incident occurred with Gauff serving at 5-6, 30-30. A Gauff forehand was called out, and as Kartal prepared to return the ball, a fan loudly shouted from the stands, causing her to stop her swing. The point was initially awarded to Kartal, but after a lengthy discussion involving the umpire and tournament referee, it was controversially replayed.
Kartal handled the situation with immense grace, later reflecting on the chaos. “It was a crazy moment, something you can’t really prepare for,” she said in her post-match press conference. “But it’s Wimbledon, the crowd is passionate. You just have to reset and focus on the next point, which is what I tried to do.” Though she ultimately lost the match 6-4, 6-0, her composure and talent against one of the world's best won her a legion of new fans.
A New Mantra Inked in Skin
The new tattoo is more than just body art for Kartal; it’s a permanent reminder of the philosophy that has guided her through the toughest times. Speaking to reporters after a practice session at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, she explained the inspiration behind it. “The last few years have been really challenging with injuries and illness,” Kartal stated.
“There were moments I doubted if I’d ever get back to competing at this level. That phrase got me through. It’s about believing that the hard work will pay off, even if it doesn’t happen on the timeline you originally planned. Getting the tattoo felt like the right way to carry that lesson with me always, especially now as I’m playing these bigger tournaments.”
Her coach, former professional Melanie South, praised Kartal’s mindset. “Sonay’s resilience is her greatest weapon. That tattoo perfectly encapsulates her journey. She never gave up on the process, even when it was incredibly difficult, and now she’s reaping the rewards of that trust.”
Targeting a Deep Run on Hard Courts
The hard court swing presents a new opportunity for Kartal to build on her ranking, which has skyrocketed to a new career-high of No. 161 in the world. Her powerful groundstrokes and improved fitness make her a dangerous opponent on the surface. Her key objectives for the US Open series are clear:
- Navigate Qualifying: Successfully advance through the three rounds of US Open qualifying to secure a main draw spot.
- Main Draw Momentum: Win her first main draw match at the US Open and gain valuable points.
- Consistency: Carry the confidence from Wimbledon into a string of consistent results on the WTA Tour.
Kartal’s performance has not gone unnoticed by British tennis pundits. Annabel Croft, former British No. 1, commented on broadcast: “What Sonay has achieved is phenomenal. She has the game to trouble anyone on her day. The power she generates from the baseline is immense.”
The journey through qualifying is always a grueling test, but Kartal embraces the challenge. “It’s a different kind of pressure, but I feel like I belong there now,” she said. “Wimbledon proved that to me. I’m just going to go out, trust my game, and fight for every point.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Whether she makes a deep run in New York or not, Sonay Kartal’s story is already one of inspiration. Her new tattoo symbolizes a hard-earned wisdom and a bright future. She has broken through the physical and mental barriers that held her back and is now playing with a freedom and belief that makes her one of the most exciting prospects in British tennis.
As she steps onto the court for her first US Open qualifying match, she does so not just as a talented athlete, but as a testament to the power of patience. The timing of her life, once a source of frustration, has now perfectly aligned to launch her onto the sport's biggest stages. The tennis world will be watching closely to see what this resilient and rising star does next.