Sonay Kartal makes history in Rome as she takes on Birrell in historic debut match, marking a significant milestone for Turkish tennis with her impressive performance at the WTA Rome 2025.
Sonay Kartal made history by becoming the first Turkish player to compete in a Grand Slam tournament, and her debut at the WTA Rome 2025 was nothing short of remarkable. The young player faced off against Kimberly Birrell from Australia in what promised to be an exciting match.
At just 20 years old, Sonay Kartal is already making waves in the tennis world. Her impressive performance at the WTA Rome 2025 has brought her one step closer to realizing her dream of becoming a professional tennis player. With her unique playing style and unwavering determination, Kartal is undoubtedly a name to watch in the coming years.
Kartal’s opponent in the match was Kimberly Birrell, an Australian player known for her quick reflexes and powerful serves. The two players faced off in what was expected to be a closely contested match. However, it was Sonay Kartal who ultimately emerged victorious, showcasing her impressive skills and leaving a lasting impression on the tennis world.

Sonay Kartal’s historic debut at the WTA Rome 2025 marked a significant milestone for Turkish tennis. Her participation in the tournament not only showcased her talent but also paved the way for future generations of Turkish players to follow in her footsteps. As Kartal continues to make a name for herself in the tennis world, she is undoubtedly inspiring a new wave of young players from Turkey.
Turkey has a growing tennis scene, with several professional players competing in international tournaments.
The country's highest-ranked player is Yigit Meri, who reached a career-high ranking of 350 in the ATP singles rankings.
The Turkish Tennis Federation has invested heavily in developing grassroots programs and facilities, leading to an increase in participation among young players.
According to the ITF, Turkey saw a 25% rise in junior tennis registrations between 2018 and 2020.
With her impressive performance at the WTA Rome 2025, Sonay Kartal has solidified her position as one of the most promising young players in the tennis world. As she continues to hone her skills and compete against top opponents, there is no doubt that she will make an even bigger impact on the sport in the years to come.