Sonay Kartal: British star digs deep to beat Jelena Ostapenko and secure a spot in her first-ever WTA 1000 final

October 17, 2026 - 14:17

Sonay Kartal produced a gritty comeback to defeat Jelena Ostapenko and book her place in a WTA 1000 final for the first time in her career. The British player dug deep after dropping the opening set, recovering her composure and raising her level when it mattered most to close out the match and seal a landmark result.

The contest tested Kartal's resilience. Ostapenko, a former Grand Slam champion known for her aggressive shot-making, pressed early and took the initiative. But Kartal refused to fold, adjusting her tactics, tightening her serve and finding greater consistency from the baseline as the match wore on. The momentum shifted in the second set, and she carried that belief into the decider, holding firm under pressure to complete the victory.

The win marks the biggest achievement of Kartal's career so far, confirming her rise on the tour and her ability to compete against top opposition on a major stage. Reaching a WTA 1000 final places her among the standout performers of the tournament and underlines the progress she has made this season.

Kartal will now turn her attention to the championship match as she chases a first title at this level. The WTA Wuhan Open final will be shown live on Sunday from 11.30am.