British tennis player Sonay Kartal made a commanding debut in the main draw of the French Open on Tuesday, dispatching Russia’s Erika Andreeva 6-0, 6-2 in just over an hour. But alongside the thrill of her first Grand Slam win in Paris, Kartal had another pressing matter to attend to: rescheduling a tattoo appointment.
“I actually had one booked tomorrow at 11,” Kartal said with a grin during her post-match press conference. “But I’m on [for doubles] at 11. My sister just texted me and changed it to 4. So yeah, I’ll be getting one tomorrow.”
The 23-year-old, currently ranked No. 56 in the world, said the new ink will be her 14th tattoo—finally moving past a number she admitted made her uneasy.
“Thirteen,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m happy to get off No. 13. I’ve been stuck on that one. I haven’t been able to get it. I’m happy to take it to 14.”
As for what design she’ll get, that decision is being left to her sister, who booked the appointment and is planning to get a matching tattoo. “I’m not actually sure what I’m going to get,” Kartal said. “I know she wants to get one as well, so I’ll get whatever she wants.”
While she’s not planning anything tournament-specific just yet, Kartal hinted that a French Open-inspired tattoo could be on the horizon. “Maybe once I’m finished here, I’ll get something that resembles the French Open,” she said.
And when it comes to the pain of getting inked, Kartal remains unfazed—especially compared to the rigors of the professional circuit. “Honestly, the niggles I carry on the court every day are much more painful than that,” she said. “Somewhere on my arm is not too sore. I’ve got a few. No, it’s nothing like a tennis niggle.”
With her dominant performance securing a spot in Round 2, and the tattoo chair waiting later in the day, Kartal is enjoying a winning week both on and off the court.
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