The British player's Remarkable Beijing Tournament Campaign Ended by Dominant Linda Noskova
Kartal's remarkable breakthrough run at the China Open concluded as she was overpowered to her Czech opponent, who produced a superb performance to earn a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win and advance to the semi-finals.
Important Event for The British Player
The loss concludes of what had been the most important tournament of Sonay's tennis career, with the 23-year-old player demonstrating through several impressive displays that she holds the ability to trouble the top players.
The British player's run included a remarkable three-set triumph over Mirra Andreeva, which was her maiden triumph against a elite opponent and secured her initial WTA 1000 quarterfinal berth.
Noskova's Dominant Performance
This match presented an chance for the British player to extend her impressive campaign, but her opponent displayed why she is well-respected as a promising talent.
The 27th-ranked showcased her accurate and powerful stroke-making abilities from the start, controlling rallies with forceful hits from forehand and backhand, assertively advancing the net and asserting her game throughout the match.
Sonay's Resilient Response
Although losing the opening set in fairly straightforward fashion, the British competitor had performed well at all, which only highlighted the difficulty she encounters when competing at the elite level.
Kartal responded strongly, limiting mistakes and showing her resourcefulness with sliced backhand slices and numerous impressive passing shots.
She also attempted chances to be aggressive with her heavy forehand, but she could only do so much against an in-form opponent who could produce greater ball speed and force.
Second Set Struggle
Sonay maintained her consistent level in the final set and seized the opportunity when Noskova's level briefly dipped, earning an break of serve in the closing set.
However, after losing her opening service game, Noskova established a dominant groove, surrendering just minimal points for the remainder of the set.
Her success rate on seventy-nine percent of her initial serves and produced several aces, with her self-belief behind the serve spreading to the remainder of her game as she dominated the British player in the closing games to secure the most significant final four of her young career.
Tournament Situation
She will be the sole international player in the China Open last four, preparing for the winner of the quarter-final between Pegula and Navarro.
In the second semi-final, Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova will resume their head-to-head from the youth competitions.
Positive Developments for The British Player
Notwithstanding the defeat, Kartal will exit Beijing having achieved multiple improvements in her career.
Subsequent to rising as high as 44th in the WTA rankings earlier this year, the loss of points from her first WTA title in Monastir had resulted in her fall to as low as the 82nd position last month.
Thanks to this result, she will recover to the 60th position and overtake Francesca Jones and Boulter to become the UK's number two.
Career Potential
The effect this tournament will have on her belief and how she is regarded by the tennis community is even more important.
Taking into account her modest 5ft 4in height, the British player will always be susceptible against strong players like her Czech opponent, who can simply dominate her on their good days.
Nevertheless, she is also proving that her opponents must deserve their successes and perform at a sufficiently high level to beat her.
Through her superb fitness, her angular and powerful forehand, her versatility of shots and her composure in challenging moments, the British player has numerous weapons in her repertoire to trouble quality opposition.
Considering a handful of weeks left in the tennis season, her immediate goal is to sustain this excellent form until the finish.