Sonay Kartal, Britain’s fourth-ranked tennis player, has achieved a career milestone by reaching her first-ever WTA quarterfinal at the Jasmin Open in Tunisia. Kartal secured a commanding straight-sets victory over Japan’s Mai Hontama, winning 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the final eight.
Despite being ranked 151st in the world, Kartal showcased her skill and composure against the higher-ranked Hontama, who sits 46 places above her at No. 105. Kartal dominated the match from the start, racing to 3-0 leads in both sets. Although Hontama managed to break her serve in the middle of both sets, Kartal swiftly regained control and closed out each set convincingly.
This victory set the stage for Kartal’s next match, where she faced France’s Diane Parry, the tournament’s third seed and world No. 130. In another impressive display, Kartal edged out Parry 6-4, 6-4 to secure a place in the quarterfinals. There, she will face Ukrainian player Yuliya Starodubtseva, continuing her bid for a deep run in the tournament.
Kartal’s Rising Star: Breakthrough at the Jasmin Open and a Promising Career Ahead
At just 22 years old, Kartal’s breakthrough at the Jasmin Open marks an important step forward in her young career. Hailing from Brighton, Kartal has been a rising star in British tennis. Earlier this year, she made headlines at Wimbledon, where she reached the third round. Kartal’s Wimbledon campaign came to an end at the hands of second-seeded Coco Gauff, but her performance demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level.
Kartal’s success in Tunisia is the latest chapter in her steady climb up the WTA rankings. She was once a key domestic rival of Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, during their junior years. While Raducanu has already made her mark on the global stage, Kartal is now showing that she too has the potential to become a force in women’s tennis.
As she looks ahead to her quarterfinal match, Kartal will be aiming to build on her recent momentum and continue her push for her first WTA title. Her impressive performances at the Jasmin Open are a testament to her growing confidence and her readiness to compete against the world’s best players.
