British tennis sensation Sonay Kartal has expressed pride in her breakthrough performance at Wimbledon 2025, despite falling short of her first Grand Slam quarter-final. The 23-year-old, ranked 51st in the world, was defeated by former French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in a hard-fought match that ended 7-6 (7-3), 6-4. The contest was marred by a controversial line-calling error, but Kartal's resilience and skill have solidified her as a rising star in British tennis.
Kartal's journey at the All England Club has been nothing short of remarkable. Just a year ago, she was ranked outside the top 250, but her recent success has catapulted her into the spotlight. "I think people have gotten to know me a little bit better this week," Kartal said, reflecting on her increased recognition from fans and media. "The better I do in tournaments, the more exposure I get. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind."
Her run included a victory over a top-20 player, a memorable Centre Court debut, and a career-high ranking that will see her break into the world’s top 50. Kartal’s dedication to the sport is evident, as she plans to reinvest her £240,000 prize money into her tennis career. "This week I’ve proved to myself that I can go deep into slams and beat some of the best players on tour," she added.
The match against Pavlyuchenkova was a tense affair, with six breaks of serve and a dramatic first set that saw a controversial line-calling error. Despite the setback, Kartal showed her fighting spirit, breaking serve in a crucial game. However, Pavlyuchenkova’s experience and heavy-hitting style ultimately prevailed, securing her a spot in the quarter-finals.
Kartal’s performance has not only boosted her ranking but also inspired fans and aspiring players. "For the rest of the day, I’ll be a bit sad," she admitted. "But tomorrow, I’ll probably wake up and look back on this week with pride. Hopefully, I’ve inspired some people along the way."
As Kartal continues her ascent in the tennis world, her fearless run at Wimbledon 2025 will be remembered as a defining moment in her career.
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