Sonay Kartal’s dream week continued as she beat former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko at the Wuhan Open to attain the largest closing of her profession.
British quantity 5 Kartal is taking part in in only her third occasion since returning from a six-month absence with a back damage, but she now stands one more victory away from a WTA 1,000 title – one of the most prestigious prizes outside of the Grand Slams.
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The 24-year-old’s composure helped her secure a 7-6 (11-9) 7-6 (7-5) victory in a pulsating semi-final against Latvia’s Ostapenko.
Kartal trailed 4-1 in both units but remained level-headed and took benefit when Ostapenko stuttered in high-pressure moments.
Remarkably, Kartal survived three set factors in the first set, and three more set factors in the second, to secure a victory which will long dwell in the reminiscence.
“That was probably one of the toughest matches I’ve ever played,” said Kartal.
“At times she is unplayable and you have to ride that wave. Mentally, this is one of the best performances of my career.”
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The world quantity 170 is the lowest-ranked participant to attain a WTA 1,000 closing since the format was launched in 1990.
Kartal, who was ranked 54th immediately before her long lay-off, will play either six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek or French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska in Sunday’s closing.
More to observe.
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