Zeynep Sonmez, a 23-year-old Turkish handicap tennis player, was an unlikely candidate to be the first-day superstar at the Australian Open tournament. This landmark event unfolded in Melbourne on January 18, 2026. To do it, she scored one of the biggest wins of her nascent career against Ekaterina Alexandrova. Winning on a line score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, she moved on to round two. This win is still a major milestone for Sonmez. She is now the first Turkish woman to reach the quarter final at the high stake tournament.
Sonmez’s rise has been impressive, as the 23-year-old is ranked world number 112th. She did remarkably well at the Australian Open. This achievement follows an impressive run in her last four Grand Slams, including a third-round finish at Wimbledon in 2025, and second-round at the US Open later that September in 2026. Each milestone highlights her expanding impact on the fiercely competitive circuit of women’s tennis.
During her second round match with Ekaterina Alexandrova, Potapova found herself in an unforeseen emergency situation when a ball girl fainted on court. Sonmez displayed incredible sportsmanship by suspending her personal match. She immediately assisted the young child, guiding her to a chair and ensuring she got the treatment she required. Along with deepening fans’ love for the athlete as a person, this gesture revealed more of her character outside of athletics.
After her primary victory, Sonmez draped herself in the Turkish flag. At the same time, this moment represented her profound pride in and fierce attachment to her native home. Her athletic accomplishments would be enough to make her a star, but it’s her kindness and compassion that fill the headlines. In turn, fans have rallied around her, cheering on both her killer moves and her fierce friendship vibes.
When looking beyond tennis at what she hoped her legacy would be, Sonmez reflected on her hopes to make a positive impact in the world. “In today’s world, there are lots of bad things going on – wars and things like that – so I would probably be there helping people,” she stated in an interview with Turkiye Today. Her dedication to fulfilling a purpose was clear when she said, even in her community, she wants to help children more importantly women. “I would be someone who’s trying to help people – kids, women,” she added.
Sonmez’s Australian Open accomplishment establishes an aspirational standard for all Turkish women tennis players. Her commitment to sport and humanitarian causes makes her a role model to millions of youth. As she advances through the tournament, fans and fellow athletes alike will surely keep a watchful eye on this emerging star.
