A few months ago, not many people had heard of Sonay Kartal, a young up-and-coming player from the south coast. But all that changed today following her epic win at Wimbledon, flinging into the spotlight of the tennis world.
The British wildcard punched her way into the grass tournament's third round this afternoon, where she is set to take on World Number 2 Coco Gauff.
The underdog will go head-to-head with the American tennis player on Friday, potentially playing on the Centre Court in what would be a 'dream come true' for Kartal.
Just two years ago, the thought of the 22-year-old qualifying to play in any Grand Slams would have been impossible. 'It was not even a realistic goal,' she put bluntly.
The Brighton-born athlete began playing tennis when she was just six-years-old, starting out at the local tennis club where she still trains with the same coaches.
British wildcard Sonay Kartal has made into the third round of Wimbledon and is set to take on World Number 2 Coco Gauff on Friday
Sonay Kartal in action against Clara Burel on day three of Wimbledon 2024
Kartal pictured with her body-builder boyfriend Luke Ogborn at the World Tennis Tour
The Brighton-born athlete (pictured with her dog) began playing tennis when she was just six-years-old, starting out at the local tennis club where she still trains with the same coaches
Growing up as a sporty child, who also played football and cricket, her parents never pushed her into 'doing anything', despite her clear athletic ability.
'They're the most relaxed parents you'll probably ever meet. They just let me decide to do what I loved to do. As long as I gave it my best, they were going to back that 100 per cent,' Kartal said.
Yet her loving parents, who known to 'lurk in the background' as they provide constant support behind the scenes, clearly saw a talent in their daughter.
'They have dedicated their life for me to try and an achieve a dream,' Kartal gushed in her post-match interview today.
Alongside her family, the rising star has continued to have full support from her team who she says have 'all come on this journey' to Wimbledon with her.
'My coaches know me probably better than my family do, I spend so much time with them,' she added. 'Obviously having them there to kind of have this moment with me, as well, makes it even more special.'
The road to success for Kartal, however, has not been an easy one - most recently being marred with health issues.
At the beginning of this year she suffered an undisclosed health scare leaving her thinking she might never be able to play Wimbledon.
Kartal's mother Claire Kartal watches her daughter play against Clara Burel on day three of Wimbledon
Her body-builder boyfriend Luke Ogbourn this afternoon brought her a bouquet of flowers, giving her a big hug and a kiss
Only a few months ago in April, Kartal (pictured today) shared snaps from her lying in a hospital bed posing for the camera with a thumbs up, saying 'long story short I'm on the mend'
Only a few months ago in April, Kartal shared snaps from her lying in a hospital bed posing for the camera with a thumbs up, saying 'long story short I'm on the mend'.
Following her first round of success at the tournament, she said: 'I had a scary few months at the start of the year. I said I won't disclose what it was, but it was health-related. I didn't think I would be back potentially at all this year.
'It was tough sitting on the sidelines for a few months and watching your friends play, etc. But I've got a great team around me, a doctor that when I thought I wouldn't be back was completely determined, changed my mind that I would.
'I had full faith and fully believed she would get me back on the court.'
The faith in herself was clearly not misplaced as just two months after being pictured in a hospital gown she was back in full force at Wimbledon, in round one toppling experienced 29th seed Sorana Cirstea.
She had a host of people cheering her on, including her body-builder boyfriend Luke Ogbourn who this afternoon brought a bouquet of flowers to the tennis pro, giving her a big hug and a kiss.
'I don't think I could be any more proud of you. Onto the third round. Love you champ,' the bodybuilder who often competes in competitions wrote on social media.
Kartal describes her illness as a 'scary time' but it she tried to let it not bother her 'at all'.
Kartal (pictured today at Wimbledon) describes her illness as a 'scary time' but it she tried to let it not bother her 'at all'
The British wildcard (pictured at Wimbledon today) punched her way into the grass tournament's third round this afternoon, where she is set to take on World Number 2 Coco Gauff
Kartal pictured with her body-builder boyfriend on a beach
Over the years she has transformed into a strong and stoic player, improving her fitness drastically over lockdown and mentally starting to believe that she has 'high levels to reach'.
As a reminder to her strength when she plays, Kartal has a small tattoo on her wrist which is a symbol of bravery.
'I wasn't the best junior growing up,' the player said candidly today. 'I wasn't that great. A bit of a late developer. I lost a lot of matches from playing too safe.
'I kind of had enough of losing and was like, I need to change something. If I have it on my wrist, I can see it. It's a little reminder at change of ends.'
It is one of several tattoos she has over her body and the player plans to get another one if she succeeds in beating Guaff on Friday.
Alongside her family, the rising star has continued to have full support from her team who she says have 'all come on this journey' to Wimbledon with her. Pictured: Kartal with her coach Ben Reeves
As a reminder to her strength when she plays, Kartal has a small tattoo on her wrist, which is a symbol of bravery
The match will undoubtedly be Kartal's toughest challenge to date, but the strong-willed player is hoping to forget her opponent's previous success as she prepares.
As Kartal steps onto the court, the tennis pro will be thinking of her family, who had sat at Centre Court watching Roger Feder play when she was just seven-years-old.
'[I] obviously grew up coming here as a kid and to be able to walk onto one of those courts will be a dream come true,' she said.
The player added: 'I's going to be a super tough match. There's a reason why she is No. 2 in the world.
'At the end of the day I'm going to put all of that aside. Ultimately it's who you're playing the other side of the net.
'I think I'm going to go on there, got nothing to lose, and I'm just going to enjoy the moment and give it everything and see what I can do.'
