All about Turkish tennis star Zeynep Sonmez, Merida Open’s 2024 champion

On Nov. 3, Zeynep Sonmez reached a significant milestone by winning the WTA 250 Merida Open Akron in Mexico.

Facing American Ann Li in the final, Sonmez dominated the match and secured victory in just 70 minutes with set scores of 6-2 and 6-1.

• This achievement marked her first WTA title and made her the second Turkish woman to win a WTA singles championship, following Cagla Buyukakcay’s victory in 2016.

This was one of my biggest dreams. I’ve been working for 15 years to reach this day, and being here means so much to me. I want to thank my family and everyone who supported me.

Zeynep Sonmez said at the award ceremony

Zeynep Sonmez’s journey from early years to international recognition

Turkish tennis star Sonmez’s path to this historic win began in Istanbul, where she was born on April 30, 2002. Her parents enrolled her in a summer sports program when she was 6.

Although they initially encouraged swimming and basketball, Sonmez was captivated by the tennis courts. By eight, she won her first tournament, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport.

• Her early determination led to a place on the FED Cup team in 2020, where she showcased her skills on the international stage.

Over the years, the Turkish tennis star participated in junior and professional tournaments, steadily improving her ranking.

• By 2023, she broke into the WTA Top 300, and in July 2024, she achieved a career-high ranking of 130.
• Zeynep Sonmez competed in all four Grand Slam qualifiers and notably made her main-draw debut at Roland Garros.

Turkish tennis player Sonmez’s key moments leading to Merida triumph

Leading up to the Merida Open victory, Sonmez’s journey was filled with moments of resilience and strategic growth.

In the semifinal against Alina Korneeva, the Turkish tennis star rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the first set and secured a win, proving her mental strength and adaptability. During the final, Sonmez demonstrated precision and confidence, overpowering Ann Li and claiming the win with ease.

Throughout the tournament, Sonmez’s preparation was evident. She frequently reviewed notes between games, a testament to her disciplined approach. This strategic mindset, combined with her powerful gameplay, set her apart from her competitors and solidified her win.

Impact of Turkish tennis star Sonmez’s success, future goals

Sonmez’s victory in Merida propelled her 36 places up in the WTA rankings, reaching 91 –a career best. This achievement showed her dedication and marked a new chapter in her career.

Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak praised her, saying, “We started the week with great news for Turkish sports. I am confident Zeynep will achieve even greater victories in the future.”

Sonmez remains focused on building on this momentum. She aims to inspire young athletes in Türkiye by demonstrating what commitment and passion can achieve.

With her entry into the WTA Top 100, the Turkish tennis star looks forward to more opportunities to compete and represent Türkiye on the world stage, aiming for more titles and greater accomplishments.