Wuhan Open: Britain's Sonay Kartal beats Elina Svitolina to reach semi-finals
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Sonay Kartal, a 24-year-old British tennis player, made a bold comeback to the WTA Tour after a six-month hiatus due to a serious back injury by entering high-level WTA 1000 events in China using a protected ranking.
- Kartal's decision to compete against top-tier players quickly has paid off, as she reached her first WTA 1000 semi-final at the Wuhan Open by defeating world number six Elina Svitolina.
- Since her return three weeks ago, Kartal has won six of eight matches, including victories over notable players like Jasmine Paolini and Belinda Bencic, showcasing her strong baseline play, athleticism, and tenacity.
- Her performance marks her as only the second British player, after Johanna Konta, to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final since the format began in 2009, highlighting a significant milestone in her career.
- Kartal expressed surprise and satisfaction at her rapid return to form, emphasizing the importance of consistency and patience in her recovery and competitive resurgence.
