By Ben Phillips
British rising star Sonay Kartal has claimed her first-ever WTA title at the Jasmin Open, capping off a stunning run from qualification to the championship. In the final, the 22-year-old defeated Slovakia’s Rebecca Šramková, world number 136, securing a 6-4, 7-5 victory to take home the trophy.
Kartal’s victory marks a major milestone in her career, as she not only captured her maiden WTA title but also broke into the top 100 of the WTA rankings for the first time. This breakthrough comes just months after she was ranked 298th in the world before Wimbledon 2024, highlighting her rapid ascent in the sport.
A Remarkable Journey to the Title
Kartal’s journey through the tournament was nothing short of remarkable. Coming from the qualification rounds, she battled her way through the draw, dropping only one set throughout the entire event. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and her consistent performances were key factors in her success.
In the final, Kartal faced a tough opponent in Šramková, but her powerful groundstrokes and relentless determination saw her prevail in straight sets. The match was closely contested, but Kartal’s composure in the key moments allowed her to secure the biggest win of her career to date.
Breaking into the Top 100
This victory not only brought Kartal her first professional title, but it also catapulted her into the top 100 of the WTA rankings for the first time in her career. The 22-year-old had been steadily climbing the ranks in recent months, and her triumph at the Jasmin Open is the culmination of her hard work and perseverance.
Before this breakthrough, Kartal was ranked as low as 298th in the world prior to Wimbledon this year. Her impressive performances since then, including deep runs in several tournaments, have seen her rapidly rise through the rankings.
A Potential Star on the Rise?
Sonay Kartal’s victory at the Jasmin Open is a significant step in what promises to be an exciting career. Her blend of power, agility, and mental toughness makes her a formidable opponent on the court, and her recent form suggests that she is ready to compete at the highest level.
Now ranked inside the top 100, Kartal’s next challenge will be maintaining her momentum and continuing to improve as she faces stronger competition in the higher echelons of the WTA Tour. However, her performance in Tunisia proves she has the potential to go even further in the game.
Kartal’s Game Style
Sonay Kartal’s game style on the court is characterized by her aggressive baseline play and exceptional court coverage. She combines powerful groundstrokes with precise shot placement, constantly putting her opponents under pressure. Her ability to switch from defense to offense seamlessly, coupled with a strong serve and sharp footwork, makes her a formidable opponent. Kartal’s tactical intelligence allows her to construct points strategically, often catching her rivals off guard with well-timed drop shots and angled winners. This dynamic, all-court approach has been pivotal in her recent success and rapid rise up the rankings.
Battling Back From A Health Scare
At the beginning of 2024, Kartal had an undisclosed ‘health scare’ which led to her being hospitalised in March. This makes the comeback she has made to get back towards the best form of her career even more remarkable and it is no surprise she has been labelled “an inspiration” by many.
She is a battler on and off the court and how she has recovered from problems earlier in the year is to be commended.
Looking Ahead
As Sonay Kartal celebrates her first title, the tennis world will closely monitor her progress. This victory boosts her ranking and sends a message that she is a player to watch. With her newfound confidence and a breakthrough victory under her belt, Kartal will now look to build on this success as she enters the next phase of her career.
For British tennis fans, Kartal’s rise is an exciting development, as she joins an emerging group of young talents making their mark on the world stage. Her Jasmin Open triumph is just the beginning, and the 22-year-old seems poised for even greater accomplishments in the future.
