This Tennis Player Wants YOU to Design Her Next Tattoo (And Her Story Will Blow Your Mind)

By Lewis Barnett 6 July, 2025 5 mins read 26 Views

Okay, so I've been following tennis for like... forever. But Sonay Kartal? She's something else entirely.

The 23-year-old from Brighton just made it to the last 16 at Wimbledon - her first time ever getting this far at a Grand Slam. Which is incredible enough on its own. But here's where it gets interesting: she's got 14 tattoos covering her arms and wants complete strangers to design number 15.

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From Kebab Shop to Centre Court

Listen, I love a good underdog story, but Sonay's background hits different. Her dad owns a kebab shop. She grew up in Brighton (not exactly known as a tennis hotbed). And now she's the last British woman standing at Wimbledon after Emma Raducanu got absolutely demolished by world No1 Aryna Sabalenka on Friday night.

Poor Emma. That match was brutal to watch.

But back to Sonay - she's currently ranked 51st in the world, which honestly feels low considering what I've seen from her this tournament. The girl's got serious game, and apparently zero filter when it comes to body art.

Snake, Stars, and... What's Next?

Her current collection includes a snake, a star, and a butterfly among other designs. Each one tells a story, though she hasn't shared all the details (smart move, honestly). What she HAS said is that she wants fans to send her ideas for tattoo number 15.

"If people want to send me their ideas, I'll most likely pick one of them and chuck it on somewhere," she told reporters. Just like that. No corporate PR speak, no carefully crafted responses.

The only thing she's ruled out? A strawberry. "Too obvious," she said, and I actually laughed out loud when I read that. Because yeah, it would be.

Today Changes Everything

She faces Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova today for a spot in the quarter-finals.

I've watched Pavlyuchenkova play for years - she's experienced, crafty, and won't be intimidated by the crowd or the moment. But something tells me Sonay thrives on exactly this kind of pressure. You don't get 14 tattoos and ask strangers to design your next one if you're easily rattled.

The timing couldn't be more perfect either. With Emma out, all eyes are on Sonay to carry British hopes. That's a lot of weight for someone who was probably unknown to most tennis fans just two weeks ago.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Here's what gets me about this whole tattoo thing - it's not just a publicity stunt. It's genuine. In a sport that's often stuffy and traditional, Sonay's out here being completely herself. Tattoos, kebab shop background, crowd-sourced body art and all.

That authenticity is rare. Especially at Wimbledon, where tradition runs deeper than anywhere else in tennis.

So if you've got a design idea for her 15th tattoo, send it her way. Just... maybe avoid the strawberry. She's already thought of that one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the scoring of tennis contributed to its uniqueness?

The tennis scoring system is distinctive and helps to define the sport. Tennis matches are broken down into games and sets. In order to win a game, a player needs to beat six others by at least two. In games, scoring goes from love (0), to fifteen (30), and forty (40), before the winner is determined. If players reach deuce (tied at forty), they must win by two consecutive points. This system brings a sense of excitement and tension to the game, often resulting in dramatic shifts in momentum.

What role did tennis icons play in popularizing tennis?

Tennis icons are credited with popularizing the game around the globe. Throughout history, charismatic players such as Billie Jean King and Pete Sampras have captured the imagination of the public. Their successes on and off the court have inspired fans of the sport to continue playing. Their legacy extends beyond their titles. They have shaped tennis culture and the marketplace.

What are the Grand Slam tennis tournaments?

The four Grand Slams or Majors are the highest-profile events in professional Tennis. They consist of the Australian Open in January, the French Open in May and June, Wimbledon in June and July, and the US Open in August and September. The tournaments are renowned for their level of competition, history, and significant prize money and ranking points. Grand Slams in tennis are considered the highest achievements.

What is the significance grass courts in Wimbledon?

Wimbledon's traditional grass surface is the only Grand Slam played today. Grass is a low-bouncing surface that allows for a quick game. It tests players in incredibly unique ways. Wimbledon began in 1877, but is now known by its official name, The Championships of Wimbledon. It has a long history and a strict dress code. Wimbledon's legendary lawns are considered by many to be the pinnacle of tennis career.

What are the effects of playing surfaces on tennis?

Tennis matches can vary greatly in style and pace depending on the playing surface. Grass courts tend to produce a faster game favoring big servers and those with an attacking style. Clay courts are slower and have a higher bounce. This is good for baseline players and those with topspin and endurance. Hard courts provide a balanced playing field that is neither too fast nor too slow, rewarding well-rounded players. These variations in surfaces necessitate different strategic approaches and can heavily influence match outcomes.

Statistics

The global tennis equipment market reached an estimated value of over 1 billion dollars, reflecting the sport's widespread popularity.
As of 2023, Wimbledon remains the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered by many to be the most prestigious.
The modern game of tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, with the first Wimbledon Championship held in 1877.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) governs over 200 nations, indicating the sport's vast international governance structure and participation rate.
Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.

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How To

Tennis Shoes Selection: Selecting the right shoes for your court surface

Tennis shoes are chosen according to what type of court you play on. Hard court players need durable soles to handle abrasive surfaces. Clay court shoes are often designed with herringbone treads for maximum grip and control. Grass-court shoes may have pimples or nubs on the bottoms of their soles. These provide traction, without damaging court surfaces. To avoid injury and to improve your movement on the courts, make sure you have the right fit and support.