Luke Ogbourn? Yeah, About That Whole Sonay Kartal Romance...

By Lewis Barnett 5 July, 2025 6 mins read 32 Views

God, where do I even start with this one.

So Sonay Kartal's absolutely crushing it at Wimbledon 2025 right now - Britain's No.3 is making waves and honestly, it's been incredible to watch. But here's the thing everyone's whispering about in the tennis world: that whole fairytale romance with bodybuilder Luke Ogbourn? Yeah, that's done. Over. Finito.

I remember watching last year when he showed up with those flowers after she qualified. Thought it was sweet, you know? Big strongman bringing his tennis star girlfriend a bouquet. Classic romantic gesture that had everyone going "aww" on social media.

Plot twist: he's nowhere to be seen this year.

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The Breakup Nobody Saw Coming (Or Did We?)

Look, I've been following tennis relationships for years - they're brutal. The travel, the pressure, the constant media attention. It's like trying to maintain a relationship while living in a fishbowl that moves between countries every week.

Sonay just demolished Jelena Ostapenko in round one (former French Open champ, by the way), then absolutely destroyed Viktoriya Tomova on Court No 3. And when she beat French qualifier Diane Parry in straight sets on July 4th? Girl's got £152,000 in her pocket now, with potentially another £68,000 coming if she keeps this streak going.

But Luke? Missing in action.

His Instagram - which used to be full of gym selfies, rugby highlights, and those adorable couple photos - vanished around July 4th. Just... gone. That's never a good sign, is it?

Who Was This Luke Guy Anyway?

Luke Ogbourn was (is?) a British bodybuilder and strongman who actually had some serious credentials. Won silver at the UK's Strongest Man U23 competition in 2024, then upgraded to gold at Iron Beasts 2024. So we're not talking about some random gym bro here - this guy could literally lift cars.

Which makes their relationship even more fascinating, honestly. Sonay told the Express back in 2024 that they "don't gym together at all" because, and I quote, "I don't lift cars and pull cars and things like that. Tennis is very specific training whereas he is just lifting as much weight as physically you can."

Smart woman. Can you imagine trying to do tennis drills while your boyfriend's deadlifting a small vehicle next to you?

The Brighton Girl's Journey

Here's what gets me about Sonay's story - it's so refreshingly real. Born in London, grew up in Brighton with her Turkish family. Her dad owned a kebab takeaway and a sit-down Turkish restaurant. She's talked openly about how expensive tennis is, how she used to travel to tournaments alone because they couldn't afford a coach week-in, week-out.

"When I was growing up, I kind of did quite a lot of tournaments on my own," she said. Made her "grow up super fast" and become "much more mature."

Poor kid was injured for years as a teenager, didn't even pick up a racquet for a couple years. The inconsistency, the financial struggles - it's the kind of background story that makes you root for someone even harder.

Romance in the Spotlight (While It Lasted)

Their relationship went public around November 2023 when that first photo appeared on Luke's Instagram. For about a year and a half, they seemed solid. He was her biggest cheerleader during Wimbledon 2024, posting affectionate messages and showing up to matches.

That flower delivery moment? Pure gold for the cameras. Everyone ate it up.

But professional sports relationships are like trying to build a sandcastle during high tide. The timing's never right, someone's always traveling, and the pressure is insane.

What Now?

Sonay's clearly focusing on what matters - her game. And honestly? Good for her. She's got the LTA's support now, her ranking's shot up, and she's finally getting the recognition she deserves.

As for Luke... well, deleting your entire social media presence usually means you're either going through something heavy or trying to start fresh. Either way, I hope the guy's doing okay.

Sometimes the best love stories are the ones that end at exactly the right time. Maybe this is one of those.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the scoring in tennis contributed towards its uniqueness?

The tennis scoring system is distinctive and helps to define the sport. Games and sets are separated in tennis matches. A player must win 6 games by at least a two-point margin to earn a "set". The scoring within games proceeds from love (zero) to fifteen, thirty, and forty, before winning the game. If players reach deuce (tied at forty), they must win by two consecutive points. This system has a high level of tension, and is often unpredictable.

What significance does the grass court have at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon grass courts hold a unique place in tennis as they are the only Grand Slams still played on the traditional surface. Grass is a low-bouncing surface that allows for a quick game. It tests players in incredibly unique ways. Wimbledon (formally The Championships) began in the year 1877. The tournament is known for its rich tradition and strict dress codes. Wimbledon's venerable grass courts are often regarded as the pinnacle of a tennis players career.

Who has been credited with standardizing modern tennis?

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield was largely responsible for standardizing the modern sport of tennis. In 1873, Major Walter Clopton Wingfield introduced a version he named Sphairistike. It was played on a grass court shaped like an hourglass. Wingfield’s version featured a simplified game scoring system, and similar equipment as is still used today. This version laid the groundwork for the modern rules of lawn-tennis. In 1877 the first Wimbledon Championships took place, establishing the structure and rules.

What role do tennis icons play in popularizing the game?

Tennis icons are credited with popularizing the game around the globe. Throughout the sport's history, players with charisma and skill like Billie Jean King have captured public imagination. Their accomplishments on the court, and their personalities off the court have drawn not only fans to tennis but also inspired the younger generations to play the sport. The legacy of these players goes beyond the titles they have won. It also includes shaping the culture and marketplace for tennis.

What are the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis?

The four Grand Slam tournaments, also known as the Majors, are the most prestigious events in professional tennis. The four Grand Slam tournaments are the Australian Open, held in January, Wimbledon, in June and August, and the US Open, in September and October. These tournaments have a rich history and are known for the high level of competition. They also offer significant prize money, ranking points, and a great deal of prestige. Grand Slams have long been regarded as the pinnacle of tennis.

Statistics

Graphite became a popular material for tennis racquets in the 1980s, with over 90% of professional players now using graphite or graphite composite racquets.
Professional tennis players can serve the ball at speeds exceeding 150 mph, with the fastest serve recorded at 163.7 mph by Australian player Sam Groth in 2012.
The global tennis equipment market reached an estimated value of over 1 billion dollars, reflecting the sport's widespread popularity.
The four Grand Slam tournaments collectively attract over 3.5 million spectators in person, highlighting tennis's enduring appeal.
As of 2023, Wimbledon remains the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered by many to be the most prestigious.

External Links

How To

How to Select the Right Tennis Racket For Your Game

For the perfect tennis racket to suit your needs, you should consider both your skill level as well as playing style. Beginners will benefit from larger rackets and a sweeter spot. Intermediates can choose mid-plus rackets which provide a balance of power and control. Advanced players often choose mid-size and control rackets to achieve precision. Also, check the weight, balance and pattern of the string. Consult a coach to get personalized advice.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/tennis/wait-what-wimbledons-scoreboard-logic-makes-zero-sense-and-fans-are-losing-their-minds