Wimbledon defends Turkish Tennis player for using watermelon racket symbol

Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sönmez, the country's top-ranked women's player and world No. 51, drew international attention at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships by displaying a watermelon-shaped vibration dampener on her racket.

The symbol, featuring the red, black, white, and green colors of the Palestinian flag, serves as a recognized emblem of solidarity with Palestinians.

Sönmez, aged 24, revealed that tournament officials prohibited her from wearing a pro-Palestine pin on her attire, citing rules against political symbols on court.

She had previously used such a pin at other events but adapted her approach after discussions with organizers. In response, she opted for the watermelon dampener, which officials did not challenge.

The player expressed her position in an interview with Anadolu Agency, noting inconsistencies in the enforcement of rules.

She highlighted that symbols related to Ukraine are permitted, while Palestinian expressions face restrictions. “I used to wear a pin. Tournaments no longer allow me to wear it... I can use the vibration dampener, and they can’t object to that,” she stated.

Wimbledon organizers issued a statement defending their decision. They determined that the watermelon symbol on the racket did not meet the threshold for causing disruption or violating regulations, and that she was allowed to wear it.

Sönmez advanced to the third round in women's singles at Wimbledon, marking a significant achievement as the first Turkish player to reach that stage in the Open Era.

Her singles campaign concluded with a loss to Ekaterina Alexandrova, but she continued competing in doubles.