Zeynep Sonmez Makes History at Wimbledon 2025 with Groundbreaking Victory

Historic Win for Zeynep Sonmez
On July 3, Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sonmez achieved a remarkable milestone by winning her second-round match in women's singles at Wimbledon 2025. Competing on Court No. 15, she triumphed over China's Wang Xinyu with a score of 7-5, 7-5, marking her advancement to the third round in her first appearance in the singles main draw at Wimbledon.
Sonmez displayed exceptional skill and composure, particularly during critical moments, which allowed her to convert important break points and secure the victory in straight sets.
First Turkish Player to Reach Third Round at a Grand Slam
With her win against Wang Xinyu, Zeynep Sonmez made history as the first Turkish athlete to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament in the Open Era. At just 23 years old, she surpassed Marsel İlhan, who previously became the first Turkish player to reach the second round at the Australian Open in 2010.
Sonmez's achievement sets a new standard in Turkish tennis, establishing her as a trailblazer for future generations.
A Breakthrough Moment
Prior to her historic victory at Wimbledon, Sonmez had not won a match at a Grand Slam, facing first-round exits at the French Open in both 2024 and 2025, as well as the Australian Open in 2025. Now, she has not only secured one win but two at a single Grand Slam event, marking a significant turning point in her career.
Following her first-round win over Jaqueline Cristian, Sonmez achieved her first WTA tour-level victory at a Grand Slam, setting the stage for her impressive run at Wimbledon 2025.
The Rise of Zeynep Sonmez
Born on April 30, 2002, in Istanbul, Turkey, Zeynep Sonmez gained recognition after reaching her first WTA 125 Final in Spain, where she faced Marina Bassols Ribera in 2023. Her international breakthrough came when she won her first WTA title at the Merida Open in Mexico, defeating American Ann Li.
In 2025, Sonmez entered the main draws of three Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon, showcasing her rapid ascent in the WTA rankings. As of July, she achieved a ranking of 72, which is expected to improve significantly following her third-round advancement at Wimbledon, potentially placing her in the top 50 for the first time.