She competed in the national beauty contest of Miss Turkey on 1 April 2010, representing the National Capital, Ankara. She placed as the 1.st Runner-up to the eventual winner, Gizem Memiç, representing Gaziantep. Serenay accepted the crown and title of Miss Turkey Universe 2010 from last year's Miss Turkey Universe/1st Runner-up, Senem Kuyucuoğlu. Instead of Sarıkaya, Turkey sent Miss Turkey World 2010 Gizem Memiç to Miss Universe 2010 beauty pageant, because its Miss Universe 2010, Serenay Sarıkaya, was below 18 and did not meet the age requirement. She also competed in a beauty competition for teenagers in Prague, Czech Republic, representing Turkey, and held the third runner-up title and "Special Award" by the jury.