Underdog Sonay Kartal has recorded one of the biggest victories of her career after defeating a player ranked more than 200 places higher than her to reach the third round.
Kartal, who had to come through three rounds of qualifying to make the main draw, produced a shock 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, win over top 50 player Clara Burel. The 22-year-old is making only her third appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam event and had never won a match until this week. Against Burel, she weathered the storm before going on to win five out of the last six games played.
“Today is a really special day for me. To have people out there who have been with me since I was six. Monday was a high and now I have topped that today,” the Brit said afterwards.
“I just tried to put everything behind me. When I needed the crowd the most they helped me in that third set. I owe that to you guys today.”
It is only the second time in the Open era that a British woman has reached the third round of Wimbledon as a qualifier. The first to do so was Karen Cross in 1997.
Kartel has shown glimpses of her talent already this season but on the lower-level ITF Tour where she has won a trio of W35 titles. However, she has also been affected by injury during her career, as well as a health scare earlier this season.
“I had a tough start to the year, I didn’t know what I would be doing this year,” Kartel reflected.
“To come back in and go straight into the deep end, and have my biggest wins so far since recovering, I’m super proud of that.”
Her reward will be a showdown against second seed Coco Gauff in the next round, who won her latest match in straight sets. She has defeated only two top 50 players but both of those were in this tournament. However, facing the reigning US Open champion will be another level.
“It’s going to be a tough match, it’s going to be a fun match and I hope I can do the British crowd proud.” She admits.
Meanwhile, Gauff is not underestimating her upcoming opponent when they lock horns on Friday.
“It will be tough to face a Brit, especially on grass. I think that they always do well, but especially in this environment.” She said.
