Sonay Kartal misses out on the biggest title of her career in Wuhan

Sonay Kartal missed out on the biggest title of her career after losing to Maya Chwalinska in the Wuhan Open final. The Polish player won 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, despite Kartal taking the opening set and moving a break ahead in the second. Chwalinska sealed the match with her third championship point after the Briton sent a forehand long. At 25, she claimed her first WTA 1000 title, having felt some nerves as she closed in on victory.

Chwalinska’s comeback ended a closely fought final after Kartal had controlled the opening stages. The 24-year-old Briton was bidding for the trophy at only her third tournament since returning, following a six-month absence with a back injury. The demands of the week eventually caught up with her: Kartal ran short of energy, physically and mentally, as her opponent took control.

The defeat does not diminish a week that marked a turning point for Kartal and was the best of her career so far. She began the event ranked 170th in the world and reached Sunday’s final by beating several notable opponents, including current top-10 players and former major champions. The final was her 10th match since beginning her comeback. She had been seeking to become the first British player to win a WTA 1000 title since Johanna Konta in 2017.

There is still a significant ranking gain ahead. Kartal will become British number one when the WTA rankings are released on Monday. BBC Sport also reports that she is due to rise to 50th in the world, just below her career high. Her run in Wuhan therefore carries particular weight after a recent return to the tour, which began earlier this month following six months out with a back injury. Chwalinska, meanwhile, came into the final after a surprise run to this year’s Roland Garros final.