WATCH the WTA Tour LIVE in Australia on beIN SPORTS | Subscribe here and take advantage of our 7-day FREE TRIAL

Qualifier Sonmez picked up a shock 6-2 6-2 triumph against Paolini to tee up a clash with Leylah Fernandez in the next round, achieving a rare feat in the process.

She became the second Turkish player to defeat a top-10 opponent since the WTA rankings were first published, after Cagla Buyukakcay, who beat Jelena Ostapenko at the Fed Cup in 2018.

From the outset, Sonmez dictated the play with authority, dominating not only the scoreline but nearly every statistical category.

She saved the only break point she faced and held serve throughout the match, while breaking Paolini four times to dismantle her opponent's rhythm.

"First of all, it was a pleasure sharing the court with Jasmine; she's a fantastic player and I really enjoy playing against her," Sonmez said after the match.

"This win is the biggest of my career, so I'm very happy. I felt great on the court; our training sessions went very well."

Beyond the milestone victory, Sonmez acknowledged the growing recognition she has begun to experience off the court as her profile rises.

"I haven't been able to go home much lately because I've been travelling a lot, but sometimes people recognise me in the supermarket when I return," she said.

"It's crazy for me because I'm not used to it, but it's a great feeling when people ask for photos or autographs."