Kartal battles past Ostapenko in Wuhan to secure spot in first WTA 1000 final

  • The 24-year-old becomes new British No 1

  • Biggest final of career after six months out with injury

Sonay Kartal’s dream comeback continues as the Briton beat Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets on Saturday to advance to the biggest final of her career at the Wuhan Open. Kartal was behind in both sets and fought off six set points to claim a 7-6 (9), 7-6 (5) win over the former French Open champion in her second tour-level tournament back after injury.

The 24-year-old, who started this week ranked world No 170 due to her recent inactivity, becomes the lowest-ranked player to reach a WTA 1000 final since the format began in 2009. The victory means Kartal is guaranteed to jump into the world’s top 50 in the WTA rankings next week, overtaking Katie Boulter to become the British No 1.

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