Zeynep Sönmez is rewriting the story of Turkish tennis, climbing to a career-high of 91 within the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings after claiming the primary WTA title of her profession in Merida, Mexico.
She has joined Çağla Büyükakçay as the one two Turkish girls to attain such a feat, marking a milestone for a nation nonetheless nurturing its tennis tradition.
Her rise not solely elevates Türkiye’s international visibility in sports activities but additionally evokes a brand new era of gamers aiming to shine on the worldwide stage.
Tennis remains to be gaining floor in Türkiye, however the basis is promising.
According to the Turkish Tennis Federation (TTF), the nation has about 11,000 registered gamers, almost 700 golf equipment and over 2,000 courts nationwide as of 2023.
These numbers present potential, however extra grassroots funding is required to show budding curiosity into sustained success.
Sönmez’s achievements are a beacon for aspiring gamers.
“Tennis needs more visibility here,” she stated throughout an interview with Daily Sabah.
Inspired by Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian star who has remodeled the game in her residence nation, Sönmez envisions the same path for Türkiye together with her purpose to show that Turkish athletes can compete with the most effective on this planet.
Secrets behind her success
Pressure, for Sönmez, is a privilege – a mantra she adopts from Billie Jean King.
“I try to turn pressure into something positive; it’s a reminder that I’m here with a purpose. So pressure is a privilege,” she stated.
This mindset, coupled with rigorous psychological preparation, has fortified her in opposition to the calls for {of professional} tennis, from grueling journey schedules to the bodily toll of accidents.
The younger star attracts inspiration from tennis legends Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and the just lately retired Rafael Nadal, admiring their unwavering grit.
“Watching Nadal fight for every point taught me about perseverance,” she stated.
She additionally learns from feminine icons like Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka, mixing classes from their kinds into her personal method.
Despite setbacks and moments of doubt, Sönmez has by no means wavered in her dedication.
“There were times I said, ‘That’s it; I’m done.’ But then I remember what tennis has given me, and I find the strength to keep going,” she stated.
She inspired younger gamers to remain disciplined, face challenges head-on, and rework strain into a robust benefit.
Beyond the courtroom
Off the courtroom, Sönmez finds solace and inspiration within the arts.
A passionate fan of cinema, she describes movies as a psychological escape and a supply of resilience.
“The way characters overcome challenges in movies shapes how I face difficulties on the court,” she stated.
Music, significantly from the golden period of ’90s Turkish pop, holds a particular place in her coronary heart.
She attracts power from the soulful themes of Sezen Aksu’s songs and finds pleasure within the works of Tarkan, Sertab Erener and Mustafa Sandal.
“I can’t go a day without listening to Sezen Aksu,” she stated, crediting music as a key a part of her emotional stability.
Sönmez is aware of her journey is about greater than private victories – it’s about paving the best way for others.
She hopes her success will encourage younger athletes to consider of their potential.
“If I can show even one person that it’s possible, that’s enough,” she stated.
Her imaginative and prescient extends past the courtroom.
Sönmez is dedicated to rising tennis in Türkiye, advocating for higher infrastructure and elevated visibility for the game.
“I want people to see that we, too, can compete on the world stage,” she added.
As she continues to interrupt limitations, Zeynep Sönmez embodies the spirit of perseverance and ambition.
Whether battling high-stakes matches or selling tennis in Türkiye, she stays steadfast in her mission to signify her nation with satisfaction.
Source: www.dailysabah.com