Sonay Kartal reaches WTA 1000 final, becomes British number one
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 5:20 AM
Last updated Oct 19, 2026
Sonay Kartal achieved a remarkable comeback by reaching the final of the Wuhan Open, becoming the British number one. Just six months after struggling with a stress fracture in her back, Kartal marked her return with a significant four-series run that included victories over several top players. Although she fell to Maja Chwalinska in the final after being a set and break up, Kartal earned 650 ranking points, elevating her from 54th back into contention for her career-best position. She now has greater flexibility in tournament participation moving into the 2027 season.
- •Kartal reached the Wuhan Open final in her third tournament back.
- •She was ranked 54th before her injury and used a protected ranking.
- •Kartal earned 650 points, improving her ranking and access to tournaments.
- •Her performances included defeating several current top-10 players.
- •This is the best result for a British woman since Emma Raducanu's US Open win.
- 5:20 AMYahoo Sports — Inside British number one Kartal's remarkable comeback
- 5:20 AMBBC Sport — Inside British number one Kartal's remarkable comeback
"Six months ago, Sonay Kartal could not brush her teeth without "being in agony" - now she's the British number one after three events back from a long-term back injury.
"Six months ago, Sonay Kartal could not brush her teeth without "being in agony" - now she's the British number one after three events back from a long-term back injury.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 19, 2026, 5:20 AMInside British number one Kartal's remarkable comeback
Six months ago, Sonay Kartal could not brush her teeth without "being in agony" - now she's the British number one after three events back from a long-term back injury.
- BBC SportOct 19, 2026, 5:20 AMInside British number one Kartal's remarkable comeback
Six months ago, Sonay Kartal could not brush her teeth without "being in agony" - now she's the British number one after three events back from a long-term back injury.
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