Kartal advances to Wuhan Open final as dream week rolls on
Sonay Kartel’s remarkable run continued at the Wuhan Open when she defeated former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko to book a place in what could be the biggest final of her career. The 24‑year‑old British player, currently ranked No. 5 in the UK, is competing in only her third tournament since returning from a six‑month lay‑off caused by a back injury, and she now stands one win away from a coveted WTA 1,000 title.
Kartel showed poise in a thrilling semi‑final, edging Ostapenko 7‑6 (11‑9), 7‑6 (7‑5). She fell behind 4‑1 in both sets but kept her composure, capitalising when the Latvian, ranked 34th, faltered in the crucial moments. Kartel saved three set points in the first set and another three in the second, sealing a victory she knows will be remembered for a long time.
“That was probably one of the toughest matches I’ve ever played,” Kartel said. “At times she is unplayable and you have to ride that wave. Mentally, this is one of the best performances of my career.”
At world No. 170, Kartel is the lowest‑ranked player to reach a WTA 1,000 final since the format began in 1990. She will meet French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska on Sunday, who earned her spot by beating six‑time major champion Iga Swiatek in the semi‑final. A win would lift Kartel back into the world’s top 50 and make her Britain’s No. 1 when the rankings are updated on Monday.
The British player has described the week as the best of her career. After a comeback appearance for Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup three weeks ago, she collected confidence‑building wins in Beijing before arriving in Wuhan. Her path to the semi‑final included victories over Tokyo Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, 2024 Wimbledon runner‑up Jasmine Paolini and four‑time major semi‑finalist Elina Svitolina.
Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion known for her power and occasional inconsistency, started strongly, breaking Kartel’s serve early and racing to a 4‑1 lead. However, her own erratic play allowed the Briton to claw back a break, and Ostapenko’s frustration grew as she twice failed to serve out the set at 5‑4 and 6‑5. Kartel seized the moment in a tense tie‑break. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Ostapenko firing 50 winners and nine aces, but Kartel’s steady nerves saw her through another tie‑break win.
The final will pit two underdogs against each other. Chwalinska, 25, secured her place with a 7‑5, 6‑1 triumph over Swiatek, who was hampered by a leg injury. The Polish player, ranked No. 22, brings experience from her run to the French Open final earlier this year.
“I think in every match I’ve been the underdog in this event,” Kartel said. “So I think the only pressure is the pressure that I’ve put on myself. Regardless of how long I’ve been out, I still expect to put up a good performance.”