Who Is Sonay Kartal? Sonay Kartal Parents, Age, Net Worth, Ethnicity, Relationship
Sonay Kartal is quickly emerging as one of Britain’s brightest tennis talents. With a powerful playing style and growing international presence, Kartal has impressed fans and analysts alike through consistent performances on the WTA Tour. Born to a Turkish father and English mother, she blends cultural pride with professional determination. From her family’s restaurant roots to a career-high ranking of No. 49 in 2025, Kartal’s journey is as inspiring off the court as it is on it. Her rising net worth, committed relationship with Luke Ogbourn, and growing list of achievements highlight her as a player to watch.
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Who is Sonay Kartal?
Sonay Kartal is a British professional tennis player born on October 28, 2001, in Sidcup, London, and raised in Brighton, England. She began playing tennis at age six, inspired by her older brother, and currently trains at the Pavilion & Avenue Tennis Club in Hove. Kartal has risen rapidly in the tennis world, achieving a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 49 on June 23, 2025. She has won one WTA Tour title at the 2024 Jasmin Open in Tunisia and 14 ITF singles titles. Known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful forehand, she has made notable Grand Slam appearances, including reaching the third round at Wimbledon 2024 and the fourth round at Indian Wells 2025.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sonay Kartal |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 2001 |
| Age | 23 (as of July 2025) |
| Height | 5’4” (163 cm) |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | Turkish-English |
Sonay Kartal Parents
Sonay Kartal was born to a Turkish father and an English mother. Her father ran two Turkish restaurants on the Sussex coast, instilling discipline and a strong work ethic in her, while her mother worked as an NHS nurse, balancing shifts to support Sonay and her siblings’ junior tennis commitments. Her parents have been described as relaxed and supportive, never pushing her into sports but backing her decisions fully. An LTA coach reportedly discovered Sonay through a conversation at one of her father’s restaurants, leading to her early training opportunities.
Sonay Kartal Age
Sonay Kartal was born on October 28, 2001, making her 23 years old as of July, 2025. Her young age, combined with her recent successes, marks her as a promising talent in British tennis, often compared to peers like Emma Raducanu.
Sonay Kartal's Net Worth
Sonay Kartal’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.2 million and $1.5 million as of 2025. Additional income comes from sponsorships through the LTA’s Pro Scholarship Programme, backed by Lexus, and brand partnerships with Morgan Stanley, Gillette Venus, and Corpay. Her net worth is expected to grow as her ranking and tournament success increase.
Sonay Kartal Ethnicity
Sonay Kartal is of Turkish descent through her father and has English heritage through her mother. This mixed Turkish-British background adds a rich cultural dimension to her identity, and she has embraced her heritage by engaging with local communities, such as hosting “Tennis & Turkish Snacks” days featuring her grandmother’s gözleme recipe.
Sonay Kartal Relationship
Sonay Kartal is in a relationship with Luke Ogbourn, a UK-based bodybuilder and strongman who won a silver medal at the 2024 UK’s Strongest Man U23 competition and a bronze at the 2024 World’s Strongest Man U23. The couple has been together since at least November 2023, often sharing supportive messages and gym selfies on social media. Ogbourn has been spotted courtside at Kartal’s matches, including Wimbledon 2024, where his comments like “God I fancy you” gained attention. Their relationship is marked by mutual support, with Ogbourn’s fitness focus influencing Kartal’s nutrition, such as adopting protein-packed Mediterranean meals.
Is Sonay Kartal Married?
Sonay Kartal is not married. She is currently in a relationship with Luke Ogbourn, and there is no public information indicating that she is engaged or married. The couple maintains a relatively low-key personal life, focusing on their respective athletic careers.
How Tall is Sonay Kartal?
Sonay Kartal stands at 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) tall, the same height as Italian player Jasmine Paolini but shorter than Emma Raducanu (5’7”). Her compact stature contributes to her low center of gravity, enabling rapid direction changes on grass and clay courts. She compensates for her height with early racquet preparation and a powerful forehand, generating spin rates above 2,700 RPM.
Is Sonay Kartal a Bodybuilder?
Sonay Kartal is not a bodybuilder. She is a professional tennis player known for her aggressive baseline play and fitness. However, her boyfriend, Luke Ogbourn, is a bodybuilder and strongman competitor. Kartal’s training focuses on tennis-specific fitness, including strength and agility, which she enhanced significantly during the lockdown period, but she does not participate in bodybuilding.
Sonay Kartal Partner
As mentioned, Sonay Kartal’s partner is Luke Ogbourn, a bodybuilder and strongman. Their relationship has been highlighted by public moments, such as Ogbourn’s supportive comments during Kartal’s 2024 Wimbledon run and their shared fitness interests. Ogbourn’s presence at tournaments and social media interactions, like posting clips of them hugging post-match, have made their bond a fan favorite.
Sonay Kartal Ranking
As of June 23, 2025, Sonay Kartal’s career-high WTA singles ranking is No. 49, with 1,147 points. She first broke into the top 100 in September 2024 (No. 96) after winning the Jasmin Open and reached No. 63 in March 2025 following her Indian Wells performance. Her rise from No. 998 in 2021 to the top 50 reflects her consistent improvement, with goals to crack the top 40 by the 2025 US Open Series.
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