![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/JN9LXf.png\")
<\/p>\nZeynep S\u00f6nmez continued her rise on the WTA Tour by overcoming American Ann Li 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-4 in a thrilling second-round clash at the Merida Open Akron in Merida, Mexico, advancing to the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 event.<\/p>\n
Ranked No. 81, S\u00f6nmez faced a stern test against the tournament\u2019s No. 3 seed, Li, who started strong by taking the first set 6-3.<\/p>\n
The Turkish player regrouped, clawing back from a 2-4 deficit in the second set to force a tense tiebreak, which she edged 7-6(7).<\/p>\n
In the deciding set, S\u00f6nmez broke Li at critical moments and closed out the match 6-4, showcasing resilience, sharp court awareness, and mental toughness honed under coach Issam Jellali.<\/p>\n
S\u00f6nmez, 23, is no stranger to Merida, having claimed her first WTA singles title here in 2024 at the WTA 250 level with a straight-sets victory over Li.<\/p>\n
Entering 2026 via a wild card, she bypassed the qualifiers, while Li received a first-round bye.<\/p>\n
The WTA 500 tournament, elevated from WTA 250 this year, is part of the Sunshine Swing, offering $1.2 million in prize money and attracting top talent, including World No. 1 Jasmine Paolini and defending champion Emma Navarro.<\/p>\n
Born in Istanbul with family roots in Artvin, S\u00f6nmez discovered tennis at age six.<\/p>\n
After climbing the ITF ranks and collecting four singles titles, she turned professional, making her WTA debut at the 2023 Rosmalen Open.<\/p>\n
Her breakthrough in Merida made her the first Turkish woman to win a WTA singles title and propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 69 in October 2025.<\/p>\n
S\u00f6nmez\u2019s 2026 campaign has already shown promise. She reached the third round of the Australian Open as a qualifier and enters the Merida Open quarterfinals with a 6-5 season record.<\/p>\n
Standing 1.7m with a versatile game blending strong groundstrokes and net play, she has amassed $271,752 in career prize money.<\/p>\n
On Friday, S\u00f6nmez will face Spain\u2019s Cristina Buc\u0219a, ranked No. 20, for a place in the semifinals.<\/p>\n
Buc\u0219a advanced by defeating Marina Stakusic 7-6(3), 6-3. While Buc\u0219a holds the ranking advantage, S\u00f6nmez\u2019s dominant 9-1 record in Merida and familiarity with the courts could tilt the balance in her favor, offering another chance to make history for Turkish tennis.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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