Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 11, 2024 8:42 pm GMT
Sonay Kartal, a rising star in British tennis, is set to compete in her first WTA Tour final after a semi-final victory at the Jasmin Open in Tunisia. The 22-year-old from Brighton secured her spot after her opponent, Eva Lys, retired due to illness while trailing 5-1 in the first set. This notable achievement has not only highlighted Kartal’s talents on the court but has also poised her for a significant leap in her world ranking.
Path to the Finals
Kartal’s journey to the final has been remarkable, especially considering that she had never reached the last eight of a WTA tournament prior to this week. In her quarter-final match, she faced Ukrainian player Yuliia Starodubtseva, overcoming her opponent with a score of 7-6 (7-4), 6-2. This victory was particularly meaningful for Kartal, as it avenged her recent defeat to Starodubtseva during the US Open qualifying rounds.
Having come through the qualifying stages in Monastir, Kartal has displayed impressive resilience throughout the tournament. Her performance has been consistent, as she has not dropped a set in her matches since the opening round.
As she prepares for the final, here are some key statistics and facts about Kartal’s performance:
- Ranking: Currently ranked 151 in the world, Kartal is set to break into the top 120 with this tournament’s results.
- Previous Achievements: Earlier this summer, she reached the third round at Wimbledon and won two lower-tier tournaments in the UK.
- Future Prospects: A victory in the final would mark her first WTA title and place her closer to the top 100 in the rankings.
Sonay Kartal in action at the Jasmin Open
Upcoming Match Against Sramkova
In the final, Kartal will face Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova, who is also competing in her first WTA Tour final. Sramkova, currently ranked 136 in the world, is looking to make her own mark on the tour. Both players are new to this high-stakes setting, which adds an intriguing layer of excitement to the match.
Following the semi-finals, Kartal expressed her thoughts on the upcoming challenge. “I’m sure tomorrow we’ll both come out here, you know, shoulders are going to be a bit heavy, we’re both going to be a bit nervous,” she noted. However, she emphasized that the match would come down to performance under pressure, stating, “Ultimately it will be who can put on the best performance on the biggest stage.”
Kartal’s Growth and Future Aspirations
Kartal’s rapid rise in tennis has drawn comparisons to other successful British players, including Emma Raducanu. Given her recent performances, she has become one to watch in upcoming tournaments.
- Mental Resilience: Overcoming previous setbacks, such as her earlier defeat in US Open qualifying, demonstrates Kartal’s growth in confidence and mental fortitude.
- Support System: The backing of a supportive coaching and training team has played a vital role in her improvement on the court.
Kartal hopes to emulate the achievements of compatriot Katie Boulter, who recently won on the WTA Tour. A victory at the Jasmin Open could signify the beginning of a successful career for Kartal.
Conclusion
As the Jasmin Open final gets closer, Sonay Kartal is showing strong determination and has been doing really well lately, which gives us hope for her future in tennis. The match on Sunday is set to be an exciting contest between two young players who are both eager to make a name for themselves on the WTA Tour. The tennis fans in the UK are eagerly waiting to see how it turns out, cheering for Kartal as she keeps rising in the sport.
