LONDON — British tennis sensation Sonay Kartal has revealed her ambitious Wimbledon plans after securing the biggest win of her career at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne, defeating world No. 31 Sorana Cîrstea in straight sets (6-3, 6-2). The 22-year-old wildcard, ranked No. 298, stunned fans and pundits alike with her dominant performance on grass, signaling her readiness for the All England Club.
Kartal, who grew up in Brighton just miles from the Eastbourne tournament, described the victory as a "dream come true" and a testament to her relentless work ethic. "This is the kind of win I’ve been working toward for years," she told reporters post-match. "To do it here, so close to home, makes it even more special."
A Breakthrough Performance
Kartal’s victory over Cîrstea marked her first-ever top-50 win and showcased her adaptability on grass. The British player’s aggressive baseline play and precise serving (winning 78% of first-serve points) left the experienced Romanian scrambling. "I knew I had to take my chances early," Kartal said. "Grass rewards bold play, and I stuck to my game plan."
Key factors in Kartal’s breakthrough included:
- Improved serve consistency (5 aces, 0 double faults)
- Dominance in cross-court exchanges (won 63% of rallies)
- Mental resilience when facing break points (saved 4/5)
Wimbledon Ambitions
With her Eastbourne run, Kartal has positioned herself as a dangerous floater in the Wimbledon draw. She confirmed she’ll enter qualifying unless awarded a main-draw wildcard. "My goal is to win matches at SW19," she stated. "I’ve proven I can compete at this level—now it’s about consistency."
Grass-Court Pedigree
Kartal’s affinity for grass isn’t new—she reached the Wimbledon girls’ quarterfinals in 2018. Coach Nigel Sears noted: "Sonay moves exceptionally well on grass. Her low center of gravity and ability to take the ball early make her a natural on this surface."
The Road Ahead
The win propels Kartal toward a new career-high ranking, likely inside the top 250. Tennis analysts suggest she could mirror Emma Raducanu’s 2021 qualifying run. "This changes everything," Kartal admitted. "Now I know I belong here."
Her immediate schedule includes:
- Final Eastbourne match against a yet-to-be-determined opponent
- Intensive recovery sessions with her physio team
- Strategy meetings with Sears to optimize her Wimbledon preparation
Reactions from the Tennis World
Former British No. 1 Laura Robson tweeted: "Take a bow, Sonay Kartal! That’s how you announce yourself on the big stage. Eastbourne crowds witnessing something special." The LTA also praised her "fearless tennis," hinting at potential Fed Cup consideration.
Cîrstea, a veteran of 15 Wimbledon appearances, offered perspective: "She reminded me of a young Simona Halep—compact, explosive, and with great anticipation. If she keeps this level, she’ll climb fast."
Conclusion: A Star in the Making
Kartal’s Eastbourne breakthrough couldn’t have come at a better time. With Wimbledon’s qualifying beginning June 24, she’s positioned to capitalize on her momentum. "This is just the start," she promised. "I’m hungry for more."
As British tennis searches for its next champion, Kartal’s blend of power and precision—coupled with her home-court advantage—makes her one to watch. Whether through qualifying or a wildcard, Wimbledon’s hallowed grass courts may soon bear witness to her rapid ascent.
The tennis world now waits to see if Kartal can translate her Queen’s Club heroics into a fairytale Wimbledon run. One thing is certain: this 22-year-old has announced herself as Britain’s newest tennis threat.