Wimbledon 2024: Health scare nearly denied Sonay Kartal biggest win of her career

Sonay Kartal feared missing Wimbledon altogether after suffering a health scare earlier in the year.

But the 22-year-old Londoner recovered to pull off the first grand slam victory of her career and pocket £60,000 in the process.

Kartal faced the daunting task of No29 seed Sorana Cristea in the opening round on Court 15 but recovered from dropping the opening set to then win 12 of the next 14 games for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 victory.

A previous wildcard recipient in the main draw at the All England Club last year and the year before, she lost both first-round matches. This time, she came through qualifying to make the draw.

Of her opening-round win and the lead-up to the tournament, she said: “I had a scary few months at the start of the year. I said I won’t disclose what it was but it was health related. I didn’t think I would be back potentially at all this year.

“It was tough sitting on the sidelines for a few months and watching your friends play. But I’ve got a great team around me, a doctor when I thought I wouldn’t be back was completely determined, changed my mind that I would. I had full faith and fully believed she would get me back on the court.

“To be able to do that so soon and to go straight in the deep end as well, something I’m super proud of.”

Kartal credited her qualifying rounds in which she won three matches with helping her come through against a top-30 player with quarter-final experience at the slams.

And ranking Monday’s win in her nascent career, she said: “My greatest and definitely my proudest [moment]. I think getting a first win at any slam and to have it at Wimbledon makes it extra special.”