Highlights: Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez Claims First WTA Title in Merida

Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez claimed her first WTA title on Sunday, defeating American Ann Li 6-2, 6-1 in Merida, Mexico. The 22-year-old became Turkey’s first WTA champion since Cagla Buyukakcay’s win in Istanbul in 2016, marking a historic achievement for the country.

Ranked 127th in the world, Sonmez needed only 70 minutes to prevail over Li, formerly in the top 50 and now ranked 111th. She broke Li’s serve three times to take a 5-2 lead and secured the first set in just 42 minutes. In the second set, Sonmez broke Li three more times and closed out the last six games to seal her decisive win.

Sonmez shared her excitement afterward, saying, “This was one of my biggest dreams. I’ve been working for this moment for 15 years.” She also expressed gratitude to her supporters in Turkey, who watched her early-morning matches.

Due to rain delays on Saturday, both players completed their semi-final matches earlier in the day. Li secured a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 victory over Polina Kudermetova, while Sonmez fought back from a 4-2 deficit in the first set to defeat 17-year-old Alina Korneeva 7-6 (7/5), 6-2.