Sonay’s big Wimbledon adventure – Summer 2022

In the end it was not to be. But lets not dwell on the negatives. Instead the girl from Pav & Ave, Sonay Kartal who started playing tennis at the age of 4 took part in the Wimbledon main draw as a wild card in both singles and doubles. She has been coached throughout her short career by Julie, Ben and Martin and to have achieved so much is a statement to the skill of the coaching team and the determination of Sonay.

In the singles she was slightly overpowered by Lesley Pattinama Kerkhovell*. Watched by the entire Pav & Ave coaching team and supported by Mr and Mrs Club Chairman and the entire team WhatsApp Group – Sonay was slightly unlucky to lose the first set but bounced back strongly to take the second 6-3. In the deciding set her opponent started strongly thumping her forehands deep and forcing Sonay to go on the defensive – not really her strength. The result was inevitable but Sonay fought bravely to avoid the dreaded third set bagel.

In windy conditions  Sonay and her partner Nell Millar took on the experienced Golubic and Osorio in the first round of the Ladies Open Doubles. Sonay played strongly from the back but the backhand of Golubic proved a bit too much for Sonay and Nell with the latter struggling with her serve in the wind. It was a close match but eventually Sonay and Nell went down 7-5 6-4. 

What an adventure for Sonay and Pav & Ave. Next year Sonay – Centre Court!!

* LPK took a set off the World Number One in her next match on Number one Court.