Sonay Kartal has recorded her first win over a top 20 seed at a Grand Slam event after beating Jelena Ostapenko in three sets at a hot and humid Wimbledon on Monday.
The British world No.51 withstood a mid-match fightback from the Latvian to prevail 7-5, 2-6, 6-2, on Court Three. During what was a roller-coaster battle, Kartal snatched the first set by winning five straight games after falling behind 2-5. However, she dropped serve twice during the second frame which enabled Ostapenko to claw her way back to draw level. At this stage, it was expected that the higher-ranked player would prevail but it was Kartal who dominated the decider which she won in just over 30 minutes.
Monday’s victory is sweet revenge for Kartal who lost to Ostapenko a week ago at Eastbourne. The world No.21 later withdrew from that tournament due to injury but did not appear to be in any physical discomfort during her latest match.
“That was by far one of the toughest matches I’ve played. I would say that I struggle against the big hitters, so getting that win today after her beating me last week was great,” Kartal said during her on-court interview.
“I’ve made a conscious effort this year to play the bigger matches and put myself under the most pressure out on court. I knew that I wouldn’t get the results straightaway but that it would eventually pay off, and that’s what happened today.”
The 23-year-old is making her fourth appearance at Wimbledon and is seeking to improve on her run to the third round 12 months ago.
“It was probably one of the best tournaments I’ve ever had and my most favourite. I left here last year feeling a much more confident player, on and off the court. I knew my level was there but I had to force it out of myself,” she said of that run.
“Throughout this whole year, I’ve felt I’m playing better and improving each week so I want to see how far I can go.”
Ons exits in tears
Kartal will next play Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova who made it through to the second round in unfortunate circumstances.
Tomova was leading two-time finalist Ons Jabeur 7-6(5), 2-0, before the Tunisian was forced to retire due to illness. Jabeur broke down in tears just 26 minutes into the match and had to leave the court for a medical timeout which lasted 14 minutes. She was able to resume playing and even held a 5-3 lead in the tiebreaker before calling it quits two games into the second set.
“I wasn’t expecting not to feel good,” Jabeur said via the WTA.
“I have been practicing pretty well the last few days but I guess these things happen.
“I’m pretty sad. This doesn’t really help me with my confidence and what I keep pushing myself to do. It was a very tough season for me.
“I hope I can feel better and see what’s gonna happen.”
Jabeur was forced to end her season early last year due to a shoulder injury and has struggled to find her form since returning. Coming into Wimbledon, she had only won back-to-back matches in one out of eight tournaments played, which was Berlin where she reached the quarter-finals.
“Definitely try to disconnect a little bit from tennis and enjoy life outside,” Jabeur replied when asked what her next plans are.
“Recover and spend a little time with the family. Hopefully that can recharge me, otherwise, I don’t know.”
