Sonmez advances through Australian Open qualifying

Zeynep Sonmez defeated Anastasia Gasanova 6–3, 6–2 in the final round of Australian Open qualifying. The twenty-three-year-old Turkish player secured a main-draw place after three victories and arrived with experience of reaching Wimbledon’s third round during the previous season.

Sonmez had trained in Dubai with new coaching staff during the break. She said the qualifying matches helped establish competitive rhythm at the start of the year and described the final encounter as requiring concentration on every point against an unusual playing style.

The same official report recorded Anhelina Kalinina’s 5–7, 6–2, 6–1 victory over Maja Chwalinska in two hours and twenty-five minutes. Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens also qualified, defeating second-seeded Lucia Bronzetti 6–1, 7–5.