Sonay Kartal: British No. 4 wins maiden WTA Tour crown in Jasmin Open
Published 15/09/2024 at 19:45 GMT+1
React to this story
Sonay Kartal continued her impressive breakout year on the WTA scene as she claimed her maiden title victory at the Jasmin Open. The 22-year-old powered past Rebecca Sramkova in Sunday's final with 6-3 7-5 victory, completing a dominant tournament which saw the British No. 4 concede just one set - in her opening match of the tournament against Jaqueline Cristian.
Alcaraz and his team-mates’ comical search for meaning of Davis Cup
Video credit: SNTV
Sonay Kartal's breakout year continued as the British No. 4 stormed to her first WTA Tour title, picking up the Jasmin Open trophy in Tunisia.
Kartal romped to a straight-sets victory in two hours, downing Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova 6-3 7-5 to complete a formidable run which saw her drop just one set in the tournament in Tunisia.
The maiden tour title came after Kartal enjoyed a strong run into the third round of Wimbledon, where she enjoyed big wins against Sorana Cirstea and Clara Burel before succumbing to Coco Gauff in straight sets.
Kartal thanked her team, the tournament organisers, and the "ball kids" following her first title win - and said the trophy was a "team effort".
"Firstly, Rebecca, great match today," she told WTA. "I remember you beat me just over a year ago, so I was really wanting that revenge today.
"To coach Ben [Reeves], we've had a great couple of months. For everyone watching back home... for the rest of my coaches back home as well, this title is a team effort."
- ‘Not my goal at all’ – Djokovic 'can't say' whether he will compete at ATP Finals
- Heartbreak for GB as Evans loses to Shapovalov to end hopes of making Davis Cup finals
- Nadal 'not in a position' to commit to future tournaments after Laver Cup withdrawal
According to live WTA rankings, the victory will see Kartal jump over 50 ranking spots to world No. 96 - becoming the fourth British woman in the top 100 alongside Katie Boulter, Emma Raducanu and Harriet Dart.
Kartal squeezed past Jaqueline Cristian in the opening round, winning 4-6 6-3 7-5 in what proved to be her toughest test en route to her maiden title, proving to be the only set conceded in her run to glory.
The Brit proceeded to ease past Japan's Mai Hontama in the second round, before dispatching Yuliia Starodubtseva in straight sets.
Kartal advanced to the final after her semi-final opponent Eva Lys was forced to retire 5-1 down in the opening set, just 22 minutes into the match.
And Kartal closed out her Jasmin Open run with a comfortable victory over Sramkova to secure a first title and a career-high ranking.
Watch and stream the 2024 Laver Cup live on Eurosport and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement