Zeynep Sonmez has emerged as a rising star in the world of women’s tennis, captivating fans with her powerful gameplay and determination. The young Turkish player has made significant strides in her career, breaking barriers and setting new records for her country. As we look at her journey in 2025, it’s clear that Sonmez’s hard work and dedication are paying off both on and off the court.
From her humble beginnings in Istanbul to her breakthrough on the WTA Tour, Sonmez’s story is one of perseverance and passion for the sport. Her recent achievements have not only elevated her status in the tennis world but have also inspired a new generation of players in Turkey.
Let’s take a closer look at the life and career of this talented athlete who’s making waves in professional tennis.
Zeynep Sonmez’s Biography
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zeynep Sonmez |
| Date of Birth | April 30, 2002 |
| Age | 22 years |
| Education | N/A |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Height | 170 cm (5’7″) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Career Earnings | $632,640 |
| Husband/Boyfriend | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @zeyneppsonmez |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Zeynep Sonmez’s early career is a story of dedication and steady progress. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, she discovered her passion for tennis at a young age and began training rigorously to hone her skills. Competing in local tournaments, she quickly gained recognition for her talent and determination.
As a teenager, Sonmez transitioned to the ITF junior circuit, where she faced international competition and refined her playing style, known for its aggressive baseline game. Her hard work paid off when she claimed her first ITF title in 2019, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward professional tennis. These formative years laid the foundation for her eventual rise to prominence on the WTA Tour.
Professional Career
Zeynep Sonmez’s professional career took off in 2023 with her WTA Tour debut at the Rosmalen Open. Her breakthrough came in 2024 when she qualified for her first Grand Slam main draw at the French Open, making history as the first Turkish woman to do so since 2017. Later that year, she reached her first WTA Tour quarterfinal at the Jasmin Open and clinched her maiden WTA singles title at the Mérida Open, defeating Ann Li in the final.
This victory propelled her into the top 100 rankings for the first time. In 2025, Sonmez continued her ascent, reaching the second round of the Australian Open and achieving a career-high ranking of No. 77 in March. Her consistent performances in WTA 500 and 1000 level events have established her as Turkey’s top-ranked player and a rising star in women’s tennis.
Zeynep Sonmez’s Net Worth Details
Zeynep Sonmez’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $154,265 |
| 2024 | $345,479 |
| 2023 | $88,219 |
| 2022 | $19,020 |
| 2021 | $6,158 |
| 2020 | $8,272 |
| 2019 | $7,670 |
| Career Total | $647,400 |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Singles Titles | 1 |
| Career Doubles Titles | 0 |
| Career Singles Record | 212-136 |
| Highest Singles Ranking | No. 77 (March 3, 2025) |
| Current Singles Ranking | No. 78 (as of March 23, 2025) |
| Career Prize Money | $647,400 |
| Grand Slam Singles Results (Best) | 2R (Australian Open 2025) |
| WTA 1000 Best Result | 1R (Qatar Open 2024, 2025) |
| Fed Cup/Billie Jean King Cup Record | 5-3 |
FAQs
1. Who is Zeynep Sönmez and what is her biggest achievement in tennis?
Zeynep Sönmez is a Turkish professional tennis player born on April 30, 2002. Her biggest achievement is winning her first WTA Tour singles title at the 2024 Mérida Open in Mexico. This victory made her only the second Turkish woman to win a WTA singles title, following Çağla Büyükakçay’s 2016 Istanbul Cup win. The title propelled Sönmez into the top 100 world rankings for the first time in her career, reaching No. 91 in November 2024.
2. What is Zeynep Sönmez’s current world ranking and career-high ranking?
As of March 2025, Zeynep Sönmez’s current world ranking is No. 78 in singles. Her career-high ranking is No. 77, which she achieved on March 3, 2025. In doubles, her current ranking is No. 806, with a career-high of No. 584 reached on October 21, 2024. Sönmez’s rapid rise in the rankings is a testament to her improving performance and consistent results on the WTA Tour.
3. What are some of Zeynep Sönmez’s notable performances in Grand Slam tournaments?
Zeynep Sönmez made her Grand Slam main draw debut at the 2024 French Open, qualifying for the tournament by defeating Dejana Radanović, Aliaksandra Sasnovich, and Jana Fett. She was the first Turkish woman to play in the main draw of the French Open since 2017. In 2025, Sönmez reached the second round of the Australian Open, marking her best Grand Slam performance to date. She has also reached the third round of qualifying at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2024.
4. How has Zeynep Sönmez’s success impacted tennis in Turkey?
Zeynep Sönmez’s success has had a significant impact on tennis in Turkey. As the current Turkish No. 1 player, she has brought increased visibility to the sport in her home country. Her achievements, including winning a WTA title and breaking into the top 100, have inspired a new generation of Turkish tennis players. Sönmez’s rise has also drawn attention to the need for better infrastructure and increased support for tennis in Turkey, potentially leading to more investment in the sport at the grassroots level.
5. What is Zeynep Sönmez’s playing style and what are her strengths on the court?
Zeynep Sönmez is known for her aggressive baseline play and strong forehand. Her game has evolved to include improvements in her serve and net play, complementing her already solid baseline game. Sönmez’s competitive spirit and mental toughness are also notable aspects of her play. She has shown the ability to perform well under pressure, as evidenced by her breakthrough performances and victories over higher-ranked opponents.
6. How does Zeynep Sönmez prepare mentally for her matches?
Zeynep Sönmez approaches mental preparation with a positive mindset, adopting Billie Jean King’s mantra that “pressure is a privilege.” She views pressure as a reminder of her purpose and tries to turn it into a positive force. Sönmez also draws inspiration from tennis legends like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal, admiring their unwavering grit. She uses rigorous mental preparation techniques to fortify herself against the demands of professional tennis, including grueling travel schedules and the physical toll of injuries.
7. What are Zeynep Sönmez’s interests outside of tennis?
Outside of tennis, Zeynep Sönmez finds solace and inspiration in the arts. She is a passionate fan of cinema, describing films as a mental escape and a source of resilience. Sönmez often draws parallels between characters overcoming challenges in movies and facing difficulties on the tennis court. Music also plays a significant role in her life, particularly the golden era of ’90s Turkish pop. She is especially fond of artists like Sezen Aksu, Tarkan, Sertab Erener, and Mustafa Sandal, crediting music as a key part of her emotional balance.
8. What are Zeynep Sönmez’s career goals and aspirations?
While specific long-term goals are not explicitly stated, Zeynep Sönmez’s aspirations can be inferred from her actions and statements. She aims to continue climbing the WTA rankings and compete at the highest level of professional tennis. Sönmez is also committed to growing tennis in Turkey, advocating for better infrastructure and increased visibility for the sport in her home country. Her vision extends beyond personal success, as she hopes to inspire young athletes and show that Turkish players can compete on the world stage.
9. How has Zeynep Sönmez’s career progressed since turning professional?
Zeynep Sönmez turned professional in 2019 and has shown steady progress since then. She claimed her first ITF title in 2019 and continued to improve her game despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, she made her WTA Tour debut and reached her first WTA 125 final. The breakthrough year came in 2024 when she qualified for her first Grand Slam main draw, reached her first WTA Tour quarterfinal, and won her maiden WTA title in Mérida. This progression culminated in her breaking into the top 100 rankings and establishing herself as a rising star in women’s tennis.
10. What is Zeynep Sönmez’s record in team competitions for Turkey?
Zeynep Sönmez represents Turkey in the Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Fed Cup. As of February 2025, she has a win-loss record of 5-3 in this team competition. Her participation in the Billie Jean King Cup demonstrates her commitment to representing her country in international team events. Sönmez’s positive record in these matches reflects her ability to perform well under the pressure of representing her nation and contributes to Turkey’s standing in women’s team tennis competitions.
