Kartal Triumphs Over Lucky Loser Following Bencic’s Withdrawal
Sonay Kartal showcased her talent by reaching the quarter-finals of the Abu Dhabi Open, triumphing over lucky loser Renata Zarazua. This match followed an unexpected withdrawal from defending champion Belinda Bencic, who left the tournament due to illness.
Kartal’s Path to Victory
Kartal, currently ranked 61st in the world, delivered a commanding performance. She completed the match in just 57 minutes, winning with a score of 6-0, 6-3. Before facing Zarazua, Kartal successfully navigated through two qualifying rounds and defeated Spain’s Cristina Busca in the opening round of the tournament.
Bencic’s Withdrawal
The absence of Bencic, ranked ninth globally, was notable as she had recently made headlines for being the first mother to win a WTA singles title since May 2023. Bencic’s impressive comeback saw her claim the title just four months after returning from maternity leave.
Next Steps for Kartal
In the quarter-finals, Kartal is set to challenge 20-year-old Czech player Sara Bejlek, promising an intriguing match-up as both players aim to advance in the tournament.
Other Tournament Highlights
- Katie Boulter also made headlines by reaching the last eight at the Ostrava Open.
- Boulter defeated Swiss fifth seed Viktorija Golubic, losing only two games in each set.
- This marks the first time Boulter has achieved back-to-back main-draw singles victories since the Nottingham Open in June.
Kartal’s recent successes indicate a rising trajectory in her career, and her performance in Abu Dhabi reflects her growing competitiveness in the WTA circuit.
