Britain’s Sonay Kartal is all geared up for a gargantuan challenge on the grass. Despite a major scare at the start of the season, Kartal has made fantabulous progress in SW19. Not just that, but she is “proud” of her endeavors this year. Victory or defeat is of no consequence to her as reaching this far is a big win, with a celebration pending whenever she goes home!

Kartal will face the US Open champion Coco Gauff today at Wimbledon’s Court 1. The British no 2 revealed her wish to get inked after the high-stakes match on the British grass. “Despite the outcome, whatever it is, I think there could be another one,” said Kartal. The 22-year-old has several tattoos all over her body. One of the tattoos on her wrist marks the symbol of victory.

Kartal also mentioned how her coach has the same interest. “I think there will probably be a bet in place with my coach – he also has tattoos and is pretty covered. There’s always a joke in the Slams that we play if I reach certain rounds, there will be something,” said the British no 2.

Kartal was understandably emotional about her run in Wimbledon, given her health conditions risking to put her out of the season. “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,” she said.

While Kartal didn’t explicitly mention her problems, she shared an image of her lying on a hospital bed in April, accompanied by the caption, “Long story short I’m on the mend.” 

However, the British WTA star not only participated but bageled Sorana Cirstea in round 1. She then went on to defeat the Frenchwoman Clara Burel to reach the third round against Coco Gauff. Although Gauff is a different ballpark from Kartal, she is not underestimating her opponent in the slightest!

Coco Gauff assures “will be tough” to face Sonay Kartal in front of her home crowd

Playing at home certainly gives an added advantage to the player. Since Gauff is ranked high, many will cheer for her, but since she’s up against Brit at Wimbledon, her supporters will likely be drowned out by Kartal’s. The match will be a challenge for the American, as she found preparation tough. She said that she was “kind of was looking at some of her results just to prepare and pick and choose what matches.”

Furthermore, Gauff showed her awareness of the threat Kartal posed as she said, “It will be tough to face a Brit obviously especially on grass. I think that they know always do rally well but especially in this environment.”

Kartal does not have high hopes for the clash, but she will play her best. With Gauff watching out for the player, the chances of Kartal’s victory are small but not zero. Are you excited for the match on Court 1?