In a stunning turn of events at the Indian Wells tournament, British tennis star Sonay Kartal, currently ranked number 3 in Britain and 83 in the world, carved out an unexpected path to the third round. The young athlete, initially knocked out in the qualifiers, seized her unexpected opportunity with both hands after being reinstated into the main draw as a ‘lucky loser.’
Kartal’s journey at the Indian Wells, often referred to as the fifth Grand Slam, has been a roller-coaster ride. In the first round, she squared off against Varvara Lepchenko, where Kartal demonstrated her prowess on the court by winning in straight sets. The second round, however, brought about a formidable challenge in the form of 16th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Undeterred by Maia’s impressive record as a four-time title winner, Kartal soared to victory in a swift match of just 68 minutes, triumphing with a score of 6-2, 6-1. The match marked Kartal’s first win against a top-20 player and served as the most significant victory in her career to date.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Kartal admitted that the success was so unexpected she didn’t even book a hotel for the duration of the tournament. “I actually moved hotels, so maybe that was why [I didn’t sleep well]. After today’s performance, I will definitely stay there again,” she shared, reflecting on her remarkable run.
When asked if she had to switch hotels because she hadn’t anticipated still being in the tournament, Kartal confirmed. Despite a restless night, the 23-year-old managed to pull off a major upset against Haddad Maia. “I slept pretty badly and, for me, when something starts badly, I normally do a couple of things good,” she commented, highlighting her resilience.
Kartal has attributed her exceptional performance to intense focus and high-quality practice. “I think I was definitely in the zone more than normal today,” she stated. The British professional, who made it to the third round at Wimbledon last summer, is embracing the unique experience of playing as a lucky loser for the first time in her career, stating that it alleviates some of the pressure.
Looking ahead, Kartal is set to play against world number 60, Polina Kudermetova, in the next round. Despite her recent victories, Kartal remains grounded, not allowing herself to get swept away by the wave of success. “I’m someone that tends not to really look at the draw. Obviously everyone here plays amazing tennis,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to preparation and practice.
As she continues to navigate the Indian Wells tournament, Kartal’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the unpredictability of sport and the power of seizing second chances. Her journey so far has been one of resilience, determination, and grit, and the tennis world eagerly awaits her next move at Indian Wells.
