· · 2 sources ·Updated

Sonay Kartal beats Ostapenko to reach Wuhan WTA 1000 final

Sonay Kartal defeated Jelena Ostapenko on Saturday to secure a place in the first-ever WTA 1000 final of her career at the Wuhan Open.

Kartal battles past Ostapenko in Wuhan to secure spot in first-ever WTA 1000 final
File photo Kartal battles past Ostapenko in Wuhan to secure spot in first-ever WTA 1000 final Photo: The Guardian

Briton advances despite set points

The British player won both sets after trailing in each one. She saved six set points during the first tie-break and two more in the second to force a marathon match. Kartal edged the final tie-break 11-9 to complete the victory.

Rankings jump and British No 1

This result guarantees her entry into the world top 50 for next week. She will overtake Katie Boulter to become the number one ranked player from Britain. Kartal entered the tournament ranked 170th after returning from a back injury.

Historic achievement for British tennis

She joins Johanna Konta as only the second British woman to reach a WTA 1000 final. The match took place on Saturday at the Wuhan Open venue. Kartal stated that Ostapenko was unplayable at times during the contest.

2 outlets, different leads

  • The Guardian

    Kartal battles past Ostapenko in Wuhan to secure spot in first-ever WTA 1000 final

  • Sky Sports

    'A huge milestone' - Kartal becomes second Brit ever to reach WTA 1000 final

Reported by

2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.