Kartal storms back into Wuhan Open with straight-sets win

Sonay Kartal has stormed into the last-32 of the Wuhan Open, defeating world number 48 Anhelina Kalinina in straight sets ^[1]. The 24-year-old British number five, returning from a back stress fracture that kept her out of action for six months, secured the victory in one hour and 31 minutes with a 7-5, 6-3 scoreline. She served four aces and won 23 of 30 points on her first serve, sealing her spot after Kalinina saved two match points.

This marks Kartal’s third consecutive win since her return, following victories over Spain’s Andrea Lazaro Garcia and Wang Xinyu at the Beijing Open, where she reached the third round ^[1]. Her earlier comeback included a narrow loss to Czech world number 26 Marie Bouzkova in the Billie Jean King Cup.

Kartal will now face ninth seed Belinda Bencic of Switzerland in the next round ^[1]. The Swiss player is ranked world number 9 and brings strong form into the clash.

Meanwhile, host nation star Zheng Qinwen has withdrawn from the Wuhan Open, citing fatigue after an intense run of matches ^[1]. The Chinese player, who became the first to win the China Open earlier this month, said her body was 'feeling very fatigued'. Zheng underwent elbow surgery last year and has struggled with fitness and form over the past year, though her recent resurgence culminated in her Beijing triumph.

The withdrawal leaves the home crowd without their top hope in Wuhan, while Kartal’s resurgence continues to surprise the tennis world ^[1]. The story was first reported by BBC News.