World number 170 Kartal battles past Ostapenko to reach Wuhan final
WUHAN: World number 170 Sonay Kartal became the lowest-ranked player to reach a WTA 1000 final as she knocked out Jelena Ostapenko with a gritty 7-6 (11/9), 7-6 (7-5) win at the Wuhan Open on Saturday. The 24-year-old Briton is playing just her second tour event since returning from a six-month injury layoff, having suffered a spinal stress fracture that sidelined her from March to September.…
WUHAN, China: In an incredible display of resilience, British tennis player Sonay Kartal, ranked 170th in the world, has secured a spot in the Wuhan Open's WTA 1000 final by defeating Jelena Ostapenko with a hard-fought 7-6 (11/9), 7-6 (7-5) victory on Saturday. The 24-year-old, who recently returned from a six-month injury layoff due to a spinal stress fracture, made history as the lowest-ranked player to ever reach a WTA 1000 final.
Kartal, who once peaked at a career-high rank of 44, showcased her mental fortitude and unbreakable spirit in a grueling two-hour match that saw her overcome three consecutive seeds, including No.6 Elina Svitolina and No.9 Belinda Bencic. Despite Ostapenko's formidable skills, Kartal managed to nullify her opponent's double-break deficit in the first set, save two crucial points in the tiebreak, and mount a stunning comeback in the second set.
Kartal's victory marks the first British final in Wuhan Open history and cements her reputation as a formidable competitor on the women's professional tennis circuit.
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