One Wimbledon star’s mother inadvertently interrupted while their child was speaking to the media.
Sonay Kartal, the 22-year-old British tennis player, was addressing the Wimbledon press after she defeated Clara Burel 6-3 5-7 6-3 to advance to the next round. However, her mother interrupted the press conference twice. Kartal, ranked No. 298 in the world, had pulled off her second major upset of the tournament, winning over two players ranked in the top 55 and winning over a passionate home crowd. As she was analyzing her performance, her mother picked up the phone.
The questioning then swiftly shifted to her parents, to which Kartal put a light on them and their family: “Yeah, I mean, they’ve dedicated their life for me to try and reach a dream. I was fairly sporty as a kid, was practicing football and cricket as well. You’ll probably never meet parents who are more laid back than them.
“They never forced me to participate in sports or anything else. They simply let me choose to pursue my passion. They would support me wholeheartedly as long as I gave it my best. Yes, they help me out behind the scenes and kind of lurk in the background.”
Kartal has set up a blockbuster third-round meeting with one of the tournament’s favourites, Coco Gauff, after already scooping a massive £143,000 which might potentially climb to £226k if she wins the American in a clash expected to be on Centre Court.
“When you’re a little kid, those are the moments you dream of,” she said. “Yes, I will be ecstatic and really honored to be on Center Court if that is the case. It truly is something unique.
“Yes, it will undoubtedly be a difficult contest. If I can maintain my current form, I believe I have a decent chance.”