In a thrilling encounter at the Australian Open, Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan defeated Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez, signaling the end of the latter’s remarkable tournament run. Putintseva triumphed with scores of 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3, securing her place in the round of 16 for the first time at this Grand Slam.
Match Highlights
The match lasted over two hours and was characterized by high tension. Throughout the contest, Putintseva showcased her well-known scrappy playing style, demonstrating a range of tactical skills against her younger opponent.
- Putintseva’s Performance: The Kazakh player, ranked No. 94, took charge of the match multiple times, leading 3-1 in the second set and 4-1 in the deciding set.
- Sonmez’s Journey: At 23 years old, Sonmez became the first Turkish player to reach the third round at the Australian Open, garnering significant fan support along the way.
Significant Milestones
This victory marks Putintseva’s first advance beyond the third round in Melbourne, having previously reached this stage on four occasions. It is also her first round of 16 appearance in any Grand Slam since 2024.
Sonmez, currently ranked No. 112, will enter the top 80 in the world rankings within ten days, highlighting her status as a rising star on the WTA tour after upsetting No. 11 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round.
Emotional Farewell for Zeynep Sonmez
Despite the defeat, Sonmez expressed gratitude for the substantial support from Turkish fans. She remarked on the sense of home felt during her matches, particularly in the presence of numerous flags at the venue.
Sonmez’s journey in Melbourne has proven her consistency on hard courts, especially as she becomes the first Turkish female player to participate in the main draws of all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single season.
Putintseva Celebrates
Following her victory, Putintseva engaged with the crowd, playfully responding to boos with a celebratory dance. Her flamboyant personality has made her one of the tournament’s most entertaining figures.
Looking ahead, Putintseva is set to face off against Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round. Her ability to disrupt opponents with a mix of dropshots and lobs has positioned her as a formidable contender.
As the Australian Open progresses into its second week, Putintseva stands out as one of the most dangerous unseeded players, proving that her tactical versatility remains effective on the global stage.
