"Zeynep Sonmez discusses her groundbreaking performance at Wimbledon"
Zeynep Sönmez's remarkable performance at Wimbledon 2025 has left an indelible mark on the world of tennis, making history as the first Turkish woman, and the first player of either gender from Turkey in the Open Era, to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament.
The 88th-ranked Sönmez showcased her mental fortitude, resilience, and tactical prowess on the hallowed grass courts of Wimbledon, triumphing against higher-ranked opponents, including China’s No. 32 Xinyu Wang, in straight sets[1][2]. This historic achievement, which broke a 75-year barrier since Bahtiye Musluoğlu's third-round appearance at the 1950 French Open[1][2], has ignited a wave of excitement and national pride across Turkey.
Sönmez's run at Wimbledon has not only captured the attention of the media but also inspired a growing presence for Turkey in global tennis. Her unyielding spirit and determination have offered a beacon of hope to young Turkish athletes, especially women, who aspire to follow in her footsteps[2].
The Turkish Ambassador to the U.K., Koray Ertas, attended Sönmez's match at Wimbledon 2025, praising her performance and acknowledging the strong presence of Turkish fans throughout the tournament[1]. Ertas believes that Sönmez's success could inspire a wider movement for tennis in Turkey, elevating the sport's profile on the world stage, and contributing to stronger visibility and investment[1][3].
Sönmez, who emphasised growth and resilience over dwelling on the defeat, reflected on her match against Ekaterina Alexandrova, acknowledging areas for improvement but expressing gratitude for the support and encouragement she received[1][3]. Her grace and introspection following the match further cemented her status as a role model for young athletes in Turkey.
In summary, **Zeynep Sönmez’s Wimbledon 2025 performance has revitalized Turkish tennis by shattering long-standing barriers, making history at a marquee event, and inspiring a new generation of players and fans in Turkey**. This milestone achievement is likely to encourage investment, interest, and participation in the sport in Turkey, serving as a motivational landmark for young Turkish athletes, especially women, as they strive to reach new heights in the world of tennis.
[1] BBC News, 'Wimbledon 2025: Zeynep Sönmez becomes first Turkish woman to reach third round', July 2025,
Sönmez's historic accomplishment at Wimbledon has fostered a heightened interest in tennis in Turkey, possibly prompting increased investment and promotion in the sport. Her victory against high-ranked opponents, such as Wang from Russia, has ignited a wave of inspiration among Turkish sports enthusiasts, particularly budding tennis players.
