In a twist at the Abu Dhabi Open, Sonay Kartal of Great Britain has progressed to the tournament's quarter-finals. This advancement came after her initial opponent, Belinda Bencic, had to step down due to illness. Bencic, who won last year's tournament, has been unable to defend her title.

Unexpected Turn of Events

Kartal was set to face Bencic, the world number nine, who made headlines last year by clinching the WTA singles title shortly after her maternity break. However, Bencic's withdrawal paved the way for Renata Zarazua to step in as a 'lucky loser'. Kartal seized this opportunity, defeating Zarazua swiftly, taking just 57 minutes to secure a 6-0 6-3 victory.

Path to the Quarter-Finals

Having already triumphed in two qualifying rounds and against Cristina Busca in her opening match, Kartal's journey has been remarkable. Now, as the British number two and ranked 61st globally, she prepares to face the 20-year-old Czech player, Sara Bejlek, in the upcoming round.

Success for British Tennis

Meanwhile, another British player, Katie Boulter, has also made an impressive mark. Competing at the Ostrava Open, she defeated Viktorija Golubic, the Swiss fifth seed, in straight sets. Boulter's performance was commanding, as she lost only two games per set. Her next opponent will be either Rebecca Sramkova or Linda Fruhvirtova. This marks Boulter's first successive wins in a main-draw singles event since June.

Looking Ahead

Kartal and Boulter's achievements highlight the rising talent in British tennis, with both players demonstrating strong form in their respective tournaments. As they advance, their performances will be closely watched, providing excitement for fans and a boost for British tennis on the international stage.

Source:bbc uk