Sonay Kartal’s significant run at the China Open came to an unfortunate end as she faced a formidable opponent in Linda Noskova, who dominated the match with a convincing 6-3, 6-4 victory to advance to the tournament’s semi-finals. Kartal, 23, had displayed extraordinary talent throughout the event, marking her first appearance in a WTA 1000 quarter-final and achieving a notable triumph over Mirra Andreeva, ranked No 5, thus securing her first win against a top-10 player.
This match provided an opportunity for Kartal to further her remarkable journey, but Noskova, a talented 21-year-old Czech player ranked No 27 in the world, proved to be an insurmountable challenge. From the outset, Noskova showcased exceptional shot-making skills, dictating play with powerful strokes off both sides and demonstrating her prowess at the net.
Despite losing the first set, Kartal played well, illustrating her ability to counterattack with minimal errors and deploying effective backhand slices paired with aggressive passing shots. Her attempts to exploit opportunities with her powerful topspin forehand highlighted her competitive spirit, yet she faced the reality of competing against an opponent who was in peak form and generating a higher ball speed.
In the second set, Kartal managed to secure an early break as Noskova’s game momentarily faltered. However, the Czech player quickly regained her rhythm, serving brilliantly with an impressive 79% success rate on her first serves, alongside four aces, enabling her to outclass Kartal in the latter part of the match and secure her place in the semi-finals.
Noskova now stands as the only non-American in the China Open semi-finals and will face either Jessica Pegula or Emma Navarro, while Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova are set to rekindle their rivalry in the other semi-final.
Despite the loss, Kartal’s performance in Beijing marks a pivotal moment in her career. Having dropped to No 82 in the rankings earlier this month, her journey in the tournament will see her rise back to No 60, earning the position of British No 2, leapfrogging both Francesca Jones and Katie Boulter.
The impact of this match on Kartal’s confidence and her ongoing standing in the tennis circuit cannot be overstated. At 5ft 4in, she may often be at a disadvantage against powerful hitters like Noskova. Nevertheless, her ability to challenge opponents, requiring them to perform at peak levels to claim victories, showcases her potential. With a blend of athleticism, potent forehands, strategic variation, and composure under pressure, Kartal is positioned to continue her upward trajectory as the season draws to a close. Her next challenge will be to maintain this high standard of play, promising an exciting future ahead.