Kartal reward for earning Gauff clash? A new tattoo
Sonay Kartal landed a dream thirdround date with US Open champion Coco Gauff – and pledged to celebrate by getting a tattoo with her tournament winnings.
The British No9 belied her world ranking of 298 as she pulled off a shock win over France’s Clara Burel to become the second British woman to reach the last 32 at Wimbledon as a qualifier in the Open era, after Karen Cross in 1997.
The 22-year-old will pick up £143,000 for her 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 triumph over Burel – more than half of her entire career earnings – and indicated she would use the money to get another tattoo.
“There will probably be a bet in place with my coach,” said Kartal, who has several inked designs over her body, including one on her wrist, which symbolises bravery.
“He also has tattoos, he’s pretty covered. There’s always a joke in the slams that if I reach certain rounds there will be something. Whatever the outcome [against Gauff ], I think there could be one.”
It marks a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for Kartal, who
earlier this year was struggling with undisclosed health issues and feared her season was over.
“To be able to do it with the people that were backing me right from the start when I was ill, it’s something I’m super proud of,” said Kartal, who was Emma Raducanu’s rival as a junior. “It was a scary time. I didn’t let that bother me at all.”
It was a courageous display from Kartal, who took control of a decisive fifth game in the third set after Burel had clawed her way back into the contest after going a set and a double-break down.
The Brighton-based player rounded off in style, too, landing a deft volley at the net to earn a standing ovation from a packed Court 3 and could be afforded billing on one of the show courts against American powerhouse Gauff.
Kartal has dreamed of making her Centre Court debut since she was seven, when she watched her idol Roger Federer on a family trip to Wimbledon. Wherever she is placed, she plans to relish her underdog tag. “I’ve got nothing to lose,” said Kartal. “I’m just going to enjoy it and give it everything.”