Who is Zeynep Sonmez? The Turkish tennis star behind Wimbledon’s watermelon symbol debate

A tiny watermelon-shaped accessory on Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sonmez's racket has become one of the most talked-about moments from Wimbledon. Although the 24-year-old bowed out in the second round, the symbol drew attention far beyond the tennis court. Why a watermelon?The watermelon has become a widely recognized symbol of Palestinian identity and solidarity. It carries the same colours as the Palestinian flag – red, green, black, and white – and has often been used as a subtle way to express support when displays of the Palestinian flag are restricted.What did Sonmez say?After her match, Sonmez said she had previously worn a brooch but was told it was no longer permitted. She also questioned why expressions of support for Ukraine had been allowed in the past while similar displays in support of Palestine were not, as mentioned in a report by Al Jazeera.Since officials could not object to the accessory on her racket, she decided to keep the watermelon symbol there instead.Who is Zeynep Sonmez?Beyond the controversy, Sonmez is one of Türkiye's rising tennis stars. She made history by becoming the highest-ranked Turkish woman in WTA history, reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 51. She also became the first Turkish player in the Open Era to reach the third round of Wimbledon and has recorded wins over several top-ranked players during her career.While her Wimbledon campaign ended in the second round this year, it was the small watermelon symbol on her racket that sparked conversations far beyond tennis.Thumb image: X/@OunkaOnXGet the latest movie news, reviews, and celebrity updates. Download the TOI App.