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Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sonmez has risen to world No. 65 in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, setting a new career high after climbing 2 spots in the latest weekly update.
Sonmez reached the third round of the Madrid Open, a WTA 1000-level event, in her most recent appearance. This result surpassed her previous career best.
The record, however, still belongs to Cagla Buyukakcay, who reached No. 60 in September 2016 and remains the highest-ranked Turkish tennis player in history.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) ahead of her main draw debut at the Rome Open, 24-year-old Sonmez said this year's clay season has been more productive than last.
"The clay season is going better than last year. It has been more productive for me. I have played more matches," she said. "I had a bit more time to prepare for clay than last year. I think I am a bit more experienced. Everything is going well right now."
Sonmez identified staying healthy as her primary goal for the remainder of the clay swing.
"Clay is a surface that wears the body down, so I want to stay healthy. That is my first goal: to play as many matches as possible before Roland Garros. The more matches I play on clay, the better I get," she said.
The player pointed to clear improvement compared to her results at the same tournaments a year earlier. Last year at Roland Garros, she lost in the first round, and she was eliminated in the qualifying round at Rome.
This season, she enters the Italian capital directly in the main draw.
On the mental side of competition, Sonmez said the climb in the rankings has had a positive effect on her approach.
"Moving up in the rankings and feeling my tennis level improve affects me positively on court. I feel more ready—both physically and mentally—for the next level," she told AA.
Sonmez also spoke about what keeps her grounded amid a demanding travel and competition schedule, crediting those around her.
"I have a great team. My family and loved ones are all in my life and I am very lucky. There is positive energy and synergy within my team. They are all here to support me," she said.
Following the clay season, Sonmez expressed anticipation for the upcoming grass court tournaments, identifying Wimbledon as her preferred Grand Slam event.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
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