Sonay Kartal ends six-month injury absence for WTA Tour with win in China

Sonay Kartal made an impressive comeback to the WTA Tour after a six-month injury absence, defeating Spain's Andrea Lazaro Garcia in straight sets at the China Open. The back injury she suffered during a match in March prompted her retirement from tennis, but she returned to competitive play last week following her recovery. In her first tournament back on the circuit, Kartal showcased her talent with a 6-2, 6-3 win, landing 69% of her first serves and breaking Garcia's serve a total of five times.

The victory will undoubtedly boost her confidence ahead of her next match against China's Wang Xinyu. Katie Boulter also started her WTA Tour comeback on a high note, defeating Japanese qualifier Mai Hontama 6-3, 6-4, while Harriet Dart is set to play later in the day. However, British number one Arthur Fery was eliminated from the men's draw of the Japan Open in the first round, suffering a shock 4-6, 6-3, 4-6 loss to Portugal's Jaime Faria.

The British No. 2, Cameron Norrie, will face Alexander Zverev in a round of 32 clash on Thursday, with the German as the top seed following his successful season, including major titles at the French and US Opens and a final appearance at Wimbledon.