Sonay Kartal, standing at just 5ft 4in (163 cm), is making waves at Wimbledon 2025 as the shortest player in the women's singles main draw. Despite her height, Kartal has secured her first-ever fourth-round appearance at a Grand Slam, proving that skill and determination can outweigh physical limitations.

Overcoming Height Challenges

Kartal has embraced her stature, describing herself as a 'proud short person.' She acknowledges that her height has influenced her playing style, necessitating a focus on speed and agility. 'I knew I wasn't going to reach the court with my long strides, so I just had to be super-fast,' she shared with BBC Sport. This focus on speed has become a cornerstone of her strategy, allowing her to compete effectively against taller opponents.

Inspiration from Jasmine Paolini

Kartal draws inspiration from Jasmine Paolini, another 5ft 4in player who was the Wimbledon runner-up in 2024. Paolini's success has shown that height is not a barrier to achieving greatness in tennis. Kartal admires Paolini's achievements, stating, 'She has obviously proved that you don't need height on your side.'

Power and Foot Speed

Anne Keothavong, Great Britain's Billie Jean King Cup captain, highlights Kartal's strengths: 'What she lacks in height, she makes up for with power and foot speed.' This combination has been crucial in her victories, enabling her to outmaneuver and outplay her competitors.

Centre Court Debut

Kartal is set to make her Centre Court debut against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Reflecting on this milestone, she said, 'It's a dream of any young tennis player, so to be given the chance to go out there, I'm super-proud.' Regardless of the outcome, Kartal views this experience as a significant step in her career.

A Positive Week

Kartal's performance at Wimbledon 2025 has already exceeded her expectations. 'I didn't expect it, I'll be honest. Grass is a surface that isn't my natural surface,' she admitted. However, her success against formidable opponents has boosted her confidence. 'This week is proving to myself that my level is there, and I can do it on a surface that isn't too natural to me. So win or lose, it's been a positive week.'

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