Another Australian Open has taken place, with several intriguing storylines playing out in Melbourne.
On the WTA Tour, Elena Rybakina won her second Grand Slam title by winning a thrilling final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
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History was next on the line in the men’s final, where ATP number one Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic.
The Spaniard ended his career Grand Slam with his success, while denying Djokovic a record 25th title.
Like Alcaraz, WTA ace Zeynep Sonmez also made tournament history, becoming the first Turkish woman in the open era to win a match at the Australian Open.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Zeynep Sonmez enjoyed ‘special’ Australian Open chat with Novak Djokovic
Qualifier Sonmez reached the third round in Melbourne, knocking out Ekaterina Alexandrova along the way.
She has now revealed a glimpse of another important Grand Slam experience, recounting The National: “At the Australian Open, I spoke to Novak Djokovic.
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“And I was like, ‘Oh my God. Oh my God. Is this real?’ He said, “Congratulations.” And we talked for a while. So it was very special.
Sonmez was clearly delighted with the experience, with Djokovic showing all his class on and off the court in Australia.
Photo by IZHAR KHAN / AFP via Getty Images
What is Zeynep Sonmez’s record on the WTA circuit?
Sonmez also showed her true colors in Melbourne, where she was the first to help a struggling child in the heat when meeting Alexandrova.
It was a classy act of sportsmanship from the 23-year-old, who has a WTA title to her name from Mérida in 2024.
Currently ranked 85th in the world, Turkish ace Sonmez has been busy since her fantastic run at the Australian Open.
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She has since competed at the Abu Dhabi Open, losing her opening match to close friend Alexandra Eala.
Prior to his participation in the Qatar Open, Sonmez had a career win-loss record of 235-159, having climbed all the way to world number 69.
LEARN MORE: Where Elena Rybakina ranks among the top winners in the WTA after her victory at the Australian Open
