Turkish Tennis player uses watermelon symbol at Wimbledon after Palestine pin ban

Turkish professional tennis player Zeynep Sönmez has drawn attention at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships by using a watermelon-shaped vibration dampener on her racket as a symbol of solidarity with Palestine, following a ban by tournament organizers on wearing a supportive pin.

Sönmez, Turkey's top-ranked women's singles player and a rising talent with a career-high ranking near the top 50-60, shared her experience in an interview with Anadolu Agency.

She noted that she had previously worn a pin in support of Palestine at tournaments but was no longer permitted to do so.

According to Sönmez, discussions with organizers highlighted an inconsistency in policy, as Ukrainian symbols were reportedly allowed while Palestinian ones were not.

"They ultimately told us they definitely would not allow it," she stated.

"So, I can't wear the pin. I can use the vibration dampener, and they can't object to that. That's why I put the watermelon symbol on my racket."

The watermelon emblem, featuring red, green, white, and black colors matching the Palestinian flag, has become a widely recognized global symbol of Palestinian resilience and solidarity, particularly in contexts where direct flag displays face restrictions.

Sönmez employed the watermelon dampener during her matches in the women's singles competition at Wimbledon.

Her singles campaign concluded, but she continued participating in doubles events.

Wimbledon, governed by the All England Club, maintains strict dress code and on-court regulations that typically limit visible political symbols.