Sonay Kartal Secures First WTA Quarter-Final with Commanding Win at Jasmin Open

In a breakthrough moment for British tennis, Sonay Kartal stormed into the quarter-finals of the Jasmin Open in Tunisia, marking the first WTA quarter-final of her career. The 22-year-old, who hails from Brighton, dismantled Japan’s Mai Hontama in straight sets, 6-2 6-2, showcasing her growing prowess on the international stage.

Kartal, currently ranked 151st in the world, entered the match as the underdog, with Hontama sitting 46 places higher at 105. Despite the ranking disparity, Kartal asserted her dominance early, racing to a 3-0 lead in both sets. While Hontama managed to pull back a few games, Kartal’s precision and focus saw her close out each set with minimal resistance.

This win is a significant milestone in Kartal’s career, coming just months after her impressive third-round appearance at Wimbledon, where she eventually succumbed to the tournament’s second seed, Coco Gauff. Kartal’s rise has been swift, with her junior rivalry with Emma Raducanu offering a glimpse into her potential. Now, she’s starting to carve out a name for herself on the professional circuit.

Kartal’s next challenge at the Jasmin Open will come against either third-seed Diane Parry or world number 130 Yuliia Starodubtseva, as she seeks to continue her journey in the tournament.

For Kartal, this win solidifies her growing reputation as a player to watch, with her first WTA quarter-final appearance highlighting her steady climb in the rankings and signaling more to come from this talented Briton.