Sonmez Advances to Australian Open 2026 Third Round
Türkiye’s Zeynep Sonmez has advanced to the third round of the Australian Open 2026. This marks her second appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam in just six months. On January 21, 2026, Sonmez defeated Anna Bondar in straight sets at Melbourne Park, showcasing her remarkable skills.
Zeynep Sonmez’s Impressive Performance
The match, held on one of the smaller show courts, concluded in 90 minutes, with Sonmez winning 6-2, 6-4. The world number 112 displayed excellent form and received an enthusiastic reception from the crowd.
Historic Achievements
- First Turkish player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2025.
- Defeated 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in her opening match in Melbourne.
- Achieved her first WTA title in Mexico in 2024.
In the second round, Sonmez faced 74th-ranked Bondar, winning decisively. After the match, she expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from Turkish fans. “I felt like I was at home,” she remarked, highlighting the thrill of playing in front of a dedicated crowd that chanted her name.
Looking Ahead
Sonmez is set to meet Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva in the next round. The 23-year-old acknowledges the challenge, but is confident that the support from her fans will bolster her performance. “Today was something I have never experienced before,” she shared, referring to the vocal encouragement from the stands.
The passion of her fans was so intense that Sonmez humorously noted she “couldn’t even hear my own thoughts.” She also felt motivated knowing that many fans back home in Türkiye were tuning in to watch, even at 3 AM.
Sonmez’s journey in the Australian Open continues to captivate tennis enthusiasts, promising thrilling moments ahead.
