Sonay Kartal becomes first British player since 1997 to accomplish this feat

Entering Wimbledon, Sonay Kartal didn't seem like a player to keep an eye on, but she's quickly making a name for herself with an unexpected run.

After winning the first grand slam match of her career on Monday, Kartal followed it up with another stunning performance. In the second round of the grass-court championship, she upset the No. 45-ranked player in the world, Clara Burel, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

Kartal lost as a wildcard at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023. The 22-year-old has never made it past the first round at the other Grand Slams (U.S. Open, French Open and Australian Open). Now, the London native is the first British ladies' qualifier to reach the third round since Karen Cross in 1997.

"Today is a really special day for me," Kartal said after the victory, via the Evening Standard's Dom Smith. "To have people out there who have been with me since I was six. Monday was a high and now I have topped that today."

Kartal will face American Coco Gauff on Friday. The 2023 U.S. Open champion has breezed through the first two rounds of the tournament. According to the WTA's website , the 20-year-old has only lost six games at the major thus far.

Still, it wouldn't be surprising if Kartal holds her own against Gauff, who has yet to make it past the fourth round at Wimbledon.

"But Kartal should not go into the match [against Gauff] with any fear," wrote Jack McEachen of the Express. "A complete performance against Burel saw her give very little away, only a handful of unforced errors, but they were complemented by an aggressive playstyle that had her opponent struggling."

Regardless, Kartal should feel happy about her sizeable payday. McEachen reported she earned £143K ($182.42k) with her victory over Burel.