It was tempting to say a star was born on No 1 Court. It may be more appropriate to say Sonay is rising.
This was supposed to be Jack Draper’s breakthrough Wimbledon. Instead, as the British men’s No1 dissects another misstep, Sonay Kartal marches on. The nation’s latest home-grown hero did not just beat France’s Diane Parry to take a place in the fourth round. She dismantled her with the poise and class which defied her limited experience on the biggest stages.
Kartal’s time on the outside courts of Wimbledon is surely over, as must be her position on the fringes of the conversation when the great British tennis hopes of the post-Andy Murray era are discussed.
Where some of her higher-profile compatriots wilted under the great expectations of a public craving British interest to extend into a second week, Kartal shrugged off early nerves to rattle off nine games in a row to transform what looked like an inevitable first-set loss into an emphatic straight-sets victory, 6-4, 6-2.
She did so demonstrating variety and tactical cunning alongside her skill, giving the increasingly boisterous crowd exactly what they needed in scorching temperatures by breezing through to round four.
The show court was not full to see Kartal’s anxious start. By the time she was flowing, a packed arena was delivering standing ovations with every crushing blow to Parry’s hopes.
The shirt usually feels heavier for a home player as the weight of expectation grows. You would think that was even more so for Kartal as hers looks at least two sizes too big.
Her distinctive appearance adds to her charm, the emergence of a character so at ease with herself a cause for greater celebration, Kartal’s personality oozing through as, unflustered by what was at stake, she mixed booming ground strokes with beautifully weighted dipping sliced backhands to bewilder her stricken opponent.
Post-match, Kartal spoke of her passion for football, cricket, ‘old school’ records of the 1990s, and love of Dolly Parton.
Evidently she has been working 9-to-5 to elevate her game. Parry could have been forgiven for thinking ‘Here You Come Again’ as Kartal sped towards the finish line.
There were several moments to savour on what Kartal described ‘the biggest and most meaningful’ setting of her career. Her confidence truly shone when, at 4-1 up in the second set, she appeared to be showcasing a full repertoire of winners as if she’d spent the changeover watching Roger Federer videos.
As if to emphasise the point, Kartal opted to serve and volley when 40-0 up on her serve. That particular ploy failed. No matter. She took herself to the brink of victory by ramming another forehand cross court. Parry already looked battered 20 minutes earlier, chuntering to her coaches, rendered helpless by the unflappability of the British No 3.
Just 45 minutes earlier, it was Parry dreaming of the second week. After seeing Draper and Katie Boulter falter when the pressure was ramped up, there were initial fears Kartal would go the same way as early game points were squandered with unforced errors.
Critically, her courage and fighting spirit reversed the momentum, Kartal’s initial hiccups rendered a mild inconvenience. It was the temperament which demanded most attention, although that should not diminish the excellence of the stroke play.
Temperament-wise, there can be few on tour to better her. So cool is she on the biggest points, when her coaches analyse her heat map, they must see a trail of ice.
“Last year’s match helped me a lot,” said Kartal, referencing a sobering defeat to Coco Gauff on the same court at the same stage in 2024, when she was handed an unwanted bagel set.
“I left that court last year feeling like I didn’t play my best level because of the nerves I was carrying. Today I just wanted to put them aside. Obviously it’s easier said than done. When you’re nervous, obviously your shoulders get a bit tight, the racquet feels heavy. When the nerves were gone, I just felt comfortable out there.”
The show must go on 🤩
Sonay Kartal is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career after defeating Diane Parry 6-4, 6-2 on No.1 Court 👏#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/aaie8y1KQz
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2025
Wherever her career goes from here, the LTA should employ Kartal for psychology tips. She had the crowd enchanted by the final point.
“That was mustard, Sonay,” exclaimed a spectator as she gave her on-court interview. It felt like her career, and life, had just been irreversibly changed, certainly for two weeks a year every summer for the foreseeable future.
A first Centre Court appearance surely beckons for the next round meeting with former French Open runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Wimbledon may have just experienced a heatwave. Now the tournament directors have genuine hopes of a Sonay fortnight.
03:24 PM BST
Delight for Kartal
03:17 PM BST
Who will Kartal play next?
On Sunday, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova stands in Kartal’s way for a place in the quarter-finals.
The Russian, making her 16th appearance at Wimbledon, knocked out Naomi Osaka earlier today, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
She has a career ranking high of 11 in November 2021 and her best result at Wimbledon is the quarter-finals in 2016.
03:12 PM BST
Disciplined Kartal
My colleague Simon Briggs informs me that of the players left in the women’s draw, Kartal is second behind Emma Navarro for the fewest unforced errors so far in the tournament.
According to IBM, Navarro has made just EIGHT unforced errors while Kartal has made 44.
03:02 PM BST
Kartal on going deep in the tournament
Everyone in this tournament is an unbelievable player but I respect everyone the same. I will try my best to approach the next match in the same way. I try to stay calm off court, but I am so grateful to get the win today.
02:55 PM BST
WATCH: How Kartal reached the fourth round
The show must go on 🤩
Sonay Kartal is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career after defeating Diane Parry 6-4, 6-2 on No.1 Court 👏#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/aaie8y1KQz
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2025
02:51 PM BST
More Kartal reaction
I have been a lot more consistent and kept niggles and injures not too prominent. I was doing good things on the practice court and I always knew it would transfer onto the court. With every match, I am growing more confident as a player.
02:44 PM BST
Kartal reacts
Everyone saw that I started off nervous. This is the most meaningful stage I have played on. I have lots of people here I wanted to wanted to do proud. I appreciate the crowd sticking behind me, it really helped.
02:34 PM BST
A career first for Kartal
No 1 Court erupts and finally, we see some reaction from Kartal as she stands and raises her arms aloft.
She is into the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time. She worked her way into the match and deservedly claimed victory in 82 minutes.
02:30 PM BST
Kartal 6-4, 6-2 Parry*
Here we go then. Nervy start by Kartal as she drags a forehand wide. She gets back on track with a low backhand to the net rushing Parry.
Much needed forehand winner by Kartal, 30-15. Ace No 3 for Kartal brings up two match points.
Parry forehand return long. GAME SET MATCH KARTALLLLLLL!!!!
02:27 PM BST
Kartal* 6-4, 5-2 Parry
Ideal start for Kartal as Parry flicks a forehand into the tramlines. Parry attacks the net, produces a deep backhand volley and Kartal nets her forehand up the line, 30-15.
Back-to-back backhand errors from Kartal and Parry holds to make the Briton serve for it.
02:24 PM BST
Kartal 6-4, 5-1 Parry*
Big serve followed by a forehand winner to start the game by Kartal. Parry then slices a backhand long, 30-0. Very little emotions shown by Kartal. She has been all business.
Until her shoulders slump a little bit when she hits a forehand well beyond the baseline, 30-30. She responds positively with a backhand down the line winner and finishes the game in style with a cross-court forehand winner.
Kartal is a game away from victory.
02:20 PM BST
Kartal* 6-4, 4-1 Parry
Relief for Parry as she finally ends Kartal streak with a hold to 15. Her game has unravelled in the last 30 mins but Kartal has been excellent.
02:17 PM BST
Kartal 6-4, 4-0 Parry*
Parry is getting nowhere on the Kartal serve and the Briton wraps up another love hold in less than 90 seconds.
Surely Parry can’t come back from this??
02:15 PM BST
Kartal* 6-4, 3-0 Parry
27th unforced error from Parry puts Kartal 15-30 ahead. Deep forehand return by Kartal and Parry nets. Two more break points.
Parry takes control of the rally, Kartal is forced to put up a high lob, Parry hits a clean smash but Kartal anticipates it with a backhand up the line and Parry nets a half volley.
Kartal breaks AGAIN! Eight games in a row now.
02:11 PM BST
Kartal 6-4, 2-0 Parry*
Kartal is redlining at the moment and that’s illustrated by how she closes out the game, whipping a high top-spin forehand into the corner for a winner.
An animated Parry talks to her support box. She is struggling out there.
There’s a bit of an exhibition going on here. Kartal served and volleyed at 40-0 on her own serve. It didn’t come off, but it showed her confidence and she held anyway. You would not believe she is playing for the second week at Wimbledon.
02:07 PM BST
Second set: Kartal* 6-4, 1-0 Parry
Frustration building for Parry as he latest forehand error puts Kartal 15-30 ahead. Parry then slices a tame backhand into the net, two break points.
Great rally, both players dragging each other across the court and Parry finishes with a backhand winner. Kartal slices a backhand to Parry’s forehand and the Frenchwoman flicks her effort long.
Kartal breaks for the third time in a row.
02:01 PM BST
‘Crowd’s support for the home player made a difference’
Thrilling comeback by Kartal with five straight games to take the set. After early nerves on the big points, Kartal started to let rip and dominate. Parry has started moaning to her coaching team, and the crowd’s support for the home player made a difference at the end of the set, too.
Told you they should have got in earlier. It would have been 6-1.
01:59 PM BST
Kartal* 6-4 Parry
Huge moment for Kartal now. Can she get the job done? She starts well with two unreturned first serves, 30-0.
She brings up three set points when Parry’s forehand goes long. And she takes it when Parry slices a backhand return long.
Stunning fight back from the Briton.
01:55 PM BST
Kartal 5-4 Parry*
Among those in Kartal’s support box, is her Wimbledon doubles partner and good friend Jodie Burrage. And she joins the No 1 Court in applauding as Kartal moves to 15-30.
Good response by Parry to get ahead in the game at 40-30 but a fourth double fault takes the game to deuce. Big chance for Kartal here.
The women go toe-to-toe in a cross-court forehand battle and Parry blinks first when she sends a forehand into the tramlines. Break point Kartal.
Sliced return by Kartal is short, Parry steps in and nets a forehand. Kartal breaks again. Four games in a row and now she will serve for the set.
01:49 PM BST
Kartal* 4-4 Parry
It’s never a break unless you consolidate and Kartal does just that. Hold serve to 30 and now it’s Parry who is seeing her unforced error count rise, it’s now 15 for the set.
01:47 PM BST
‘There’s only one Sonay Kartal’
Arena is filling, more champagne corks popping, Kartal’s ground shouts are hitting the lines and the roars are rapidly increasing in volume. Ladies and gentleman, No 1 Court is awake.
If this goes to three sets, they’ll be singing ‘There’s only one Sonay Kartal’ by the end.
01:45 PM BST
Kartal 3-4 Parry*
That belief from Kartal is on full display here as she moves to 0-40 and three break points. Parry saves the first two. The crowd rises to encourage Kartal.
Tense, cat and mouse rally, Kartal hits a drop shot, Parry digs a shot to the baseline, Kartal has the option of a lob but tries to go down the line with a backhand and nets. Big chance missed.
Parry double faults, her second of the match. Fourth break point Kartal. Low slice from Kartal, Parry forehand into the net, Kartal breaks back.
01:39 PM BST
Kartal* 2-4 Parry
Third ace from Kartal to close the game. The Briton is starting to grow in confidence.
01:35 PM BST
Kartal 1-4 Parry*
Parry’s strong start continues as she holds to 30 with a her eighth visit to the net ending in a volley winner. Kartal has been overpowered so far. She hasn’t been able to apply pressure to Parry from the back of the court.
01:29 PM BST
Kartal* 1-3 Parry
Parry continues to excel at the net and she executes a brilliant stretch volley winner off a Kartal backhand pass. She is 7/8 at the net so far.
After 21 minutes, Kartal finally gets on the board with a service hold to 30. Cheers all around No 1 Court. That should help her settle.
01:24 PM BST
Kartal 0-3 Parry*
Kartal is yet to settle into the match. She’s up to five unforced errors for the match already while an eighth winner for Parry seals the game and consolidates the break.
01:22 PM BST
‘Plenty of empty seats’
Plenty of empty seats for the start of this match, which is surprising and disappointing. Come on Wimbledon’s show court punters. Never mind lunch or saving yourself for the Alcaraz match.
A British girl is fighting for a place in the second week here.
01:20 PM BST
Kartal* 0-2 Parry
First ace of the match for Kartal brings her to 30-30. Another one puts her ahead and but a double fault takes the game to deuce.
Parry has been very willing to come to the net and her latest foray ends in a deft backhand volley winner, break point. Deep forehand by Parry forces Kartal on the back foot and she hits a short forehand. Parry races forehand and whips a forehand into the corner.
Parry breaks.
01:14 PM BST
First set: Sonay Kartal 0-1 Diane Parry* (*denotes server)
Aggressive tennis from Kartal gets Parry on the defensive and the Briton finishes with an overhead smash winner, 15-30. Parry fights back to 40-30 with a lovely forehand down the line that’s too hot for Kartal.
Succession of cross-court forehands by Kartal gets Parry off balance and she finishes the rally with a forehand winner, deuce.
Parry slices a backhand into the net, break point Kartal. Saved by Parry with a volley winner and the Frenchwoman holds on after six minutes.
01:06 PM BST
Here we go!
It’s another warm day in SW19. No 1 Court is slowly filling up while the players finish their warm-ups.
Kartal is the last British woman standing. Can she keep up her dream run? Let’s find out!
12:56 PM BST
Who is Diane Parry?
- A former world No 1 junior. She has reached the semi-finals of the Wimbledon girls’ event in 2019
- She has reached the third round at three of the four grand slams but never been beyond
- The Frenchwoman beat Diana Shnaider in the second round, her second career win over a top 20 opponent
12:51 PM BST
Kartal is the favourite to win
12:44 PM BST
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12:31 PM BST
Kartal bids for fourth round
Hello and welcome to coverage from day five at Wimbledon as Sonay Kartal bids to reach the fourth round.
The 23-year-old has starred on Court No 3 so far this tournament but today she will be on No 1 Court when she faces qualifier Diane Parry.
Kartal has a large collection of tattoos and is planning to add another after the end of the tournament, with the British No 3 calling on fans to help her choose.
“I’m open to suggestions,” she said. “If people throw me some good ideas, I will definitely consider them – 90 per cent I would end up going with one of those ideas.”
Kartal is taking pride at having backed up last year’s run, and proving to herself that her heavy topspin game can give her major opportunities on grass as well as the other surfaces.
“I think having a home slam, I think that’s one arena I really want to perform well in front of the people that mean the most to me, friends and family and everyone,” she said.
“Also, it’s a surface that doesn’t really come naturally to me. I have to really think and adapt my game style, which I think is also going to help me develop beyond this tournament as well.
“I have to be really aggressive. That’s something I need to do to get better at in my game outside of Wimbledon. I need to be able to flicker between spinning the ball heavy on the forehand and also flatten it out. For me grass it going to do that. I think if I can be aggressive on grass, I can prove to myself that I can do it and I can do it against the best players.”
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