Australian Open 2026: Zeynep Sonmez Makes History with $328,000 Earnings

Zeynep Sonmez has become the first player in tennis history from Turkey to reach the third round of the Australian Open, scoring the 23-year-old a massive $328,000 payday. The World No.112 had to go through qualifying just to reach the Australian Open main draw. On Tuesday she beat Anna Bondár from Hungary 6-2 6-4 to create some incredible history. In July she became the first Turkish player to reach the third round of any grand slam, and she's now repeated the feat as the first to do it at the Australian Open. The 23-year-old made international headlines in the first round when she rushed to the aid of a ball kid who collapsed. Sonmez was preparing to return serve against 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova when she noticed the young girl stumble backwards and crash to the court. The ball girl tried to move back into position, but stumbled again and appeared ready to collapse. Sonmez was the first person to notice, rushing to her aid before she fell again. The Turkish star put her arm around the ball kid's waist and walked her off court towards the shade. The young girl had to be taken from the court after suffering dehydration. Sonmez won widespread praise for her quick-thinking, which potentially saved the ball kid from serious injury if she hit her head. "I always say it is more important to be a good human being than a good tennis player," she said. "It was just my instinct to help her and I think everyone would do the same. I'm happy I got to help." Tennis world stunned as Zeynep Sonmez wins again On Wednesday, tennis fans and commentators were blown away as Sonmez continued her fairytale run. The 'Tennis Letter' social media account wrote: "Turkey has a superstar and her name is Zeynep Sonmez. Look at all those Turkish flags draped around the court. Listen to the crowd. See the joy and pride on her face. Inspiring a nation." Turkish fans packed Court 5 to watch Sonyep play, with flags flying proudly around the arena. Sonmez appeared close to tears as she lapped up the adoration of her fans. She caused a huge upset in the opening round when she knocked out the 11th seed from Russia in three sets. And her win over Bondar continued a five-match unbeaten streak at Melbourne Park this year. She beat Laura Samsonova, Julia Riera and Anastasia Gasanova in the qualifying tournament, and is now into the third round of the main draw.