CINCINNATI — Britain’s Sonay Kartal suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the Cincinnati Open, falling to France’s Caroline Garcia in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. The defeat marks another early tournament exit for the British contingent, who have struggled to make an impact in the lead-up to the US Open.
Kartal, ranked No. 218 in the world, entered the match as a wildcard but was unable to overcome the experience and power of Garcia, a former world No. 4. The Frenchwoman dominated from the baseline, firing 28 winners to Kartal’s 12 while converting four of her seven break points. "I knew it was going to be tough," Kartal admitted afterward. "Caroline’s a great player, and she was just too solid today."
A Tough Day for British Tennis
Kartal’s loss continues a worrying trend for British players in Cincinnati. With Emma Raducanu still sidelined due to injury and Andy Murray also falling in the first round, the tournament has been a struggle for the nation’s representatives. The 22-year-old Kartal, who reached the third round at Wimbledon this year, had hoped to build on that momentum but was outclassed by Garcia’s aggressive play.
Key factors in the match included:
- Garcia’s superior first-serve percentage (72% vs. Kartal’s 58%)
- Kartal’s inability to defend against Garcia’s deep groundstrokes
- A lack of consistency in longer rallies, with Kartal committing 22 unforced errors
Garcia’s Resurgence Continues
For Garcia, the win extends her recent strong form. The 30-year-old, who won the WTA Finals in 2022, has been working her way back up the rankings after a dip in form last season. "I’m feeling confident again," Garcia said post-match. "My game is coming together, and I’m happy to get through this one. Sonay is a tough opponent, so I had to stay focused."
What’s Next for Kartal?
Kartal will now turn her attention to the US Open qualifiers, where she will hope to secure a main-draw spot. Despite the loss, her performance at Wimbledon proved she can compete at the highest level. "I’ll take the lessons from today and keep improving," she said. "The goal is to keep pushing forward."
Broader Struggles for British Players
With no British women currently ranked inside the WTA top 100, Kartal’s development remains crucial for British tennis. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has invested heavily in nurturing young talent, but results have been slow to materialize. Former British No. 1 Johanna Konta weighed in, saying, "It’s a transitional period. Players like Sonay need time, but the potential is there."
As the US Open approaches, British fans will hope for better fortunes. Kartal’s journey, though halted in Cincinnati, is far from over—and with continued progress, she could soon become a regular fixture in Grand Slam main draws.