BEIJING — In a significant boost for British tennis, Emma Raducanu and qualifier Sonay Kartal both secured impressive straight-sets victories to advance to the third round of the China Open, a prestigious WTA 1000 event.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, displayed a commanding performance against world No. 11 Daria Kasatkina, winning 6-4, 6-4. Meanwhile, Kartal, ranked 190th in the world, continued her dream run by defeating world No. 51 Magdalena Fręch 7-5, 6-2. This marks the first time since 2018 that two British women have reached the last 32 of a WTA 1000 tournament.
Raducanu's Resurgence on Hard Courts
Facing a top-15 opponent for the first time since her return from triple surgery on her wrists and ankle, Raducanu played with a freedom and aggression reminiscent of her Flushing Meadows triumph. She broke Kasatkina’s serve early in both sets and maintained her composure under pressure, saving all four break points she faced. Her powerful groundstrokes, particularly her forehand, were the difference-maker in the match.
Speaking after the match, Raducanu expressed satisfaction with her level of play and her growing confidence. "I think I played really well today. I stuck to my game plan and was really aggressive when I had the chance," she said. "It's definitely a big win for me, especially against a player of Daria's caliber. It shows that the hard work is paying off."
The victory is particularly noteworthy given the context of Raducanu's season. After a lengthy layoff, she has been carefully managing her comeback. Key aspects of her performance against Kasatkina included:
- Serve Efficiency: She landed 70% of her first serves and won 78% of those points.
- Aggressive Return Game: She applied constant pressure, creating 10 break point opportunities.
- Mental Fortitude: She remained focused during key moments, closing out both sets decisively.
Kartal's Qualifier Dream Run Continues
While Raducanu’s victory captured headlines, Sonay Kartal’s achievement is arguably even more remarkable. The 21-year-old from Brighton came through three rounds of qualifying just to reach the main draw. Her victory over Poland’s Fręch was a masterclass in controlled aggression and resilience.
Kartal recovered from a 3-5 deficit in the first set, winning four consecutive games to seize the initiative. She carried that momentum into the second set, breaking Fręch’s serve twice to secure the biggest win of her career by ranking. This follows her first-ever WTA main-draw win in the previous round against Zhuoxuan Bai.
An emotional Kartal reflected on her journey and the significance of the win. "It's unbelievable, really. To come through qualifying and then beat two top-100 players back-to-back is more than I could have asked for," she stated. "I’ve had a lot of injuries over the past few years, so to be here healthy and competing at this level is amazing. I’m just trying to enjoy every moment."
Kartal’s success is a testament to her perseverance. Her game is built on a solid foundation and a fearless attitude. Her recent form suggests a player ready to make a significant leap up the rankings. Her strengths on display included:
- Powerful Groundstrokes: She matched Fręch from the baseline and dictated rallies.
- Fighting Spirit: Her comeback in the first set demonstrated immense mental strength.
- Physical Fitness: She looked strong throughout the match, showing no signs of fatigue from her qualifying matches.
A Look Ahead: Challenging Third-Round Matches
The third round presents formidable challenges for both Britons. Raducanu is set to face a stern test against world No. 6 and reigning Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová. The Czech left-hander leads their head-to-head 2-0, including a victory earlier this year at Indian Wells. This match will be a true indicator of Raducanu’s current level against the elite of the women's game.
Kartal’s reward for her stunning run is a match against world No. 8 and this year’s US Open finalist, Aryna Sabalenka. The powerful Belarusian presents a completely different challenge with her explosive serve and punishing groundstrokes. However, Kartal will have nothing to lose and everything to gain on one of the sport's biggest stages.
Broader Implications for British Tennis
The simultaneous success of Raducanu and Kartal in Beijing is a positive sign for British women's tennis. It highlights a growing depth beyond the established names. With Katie Boulter also enjoying a career-best season inside the top 50, there is a sense of a collective rise. Their performances provide a welcome boost for the sport in the UK and inspire the next generation of players.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Raducanu can continue her resurgence against the very best and if Kartal can produce one more upset in her fairytale run. Regardless of the third-round outcomes, their achievements this week in Beijing have already made a significant statement.