A determined Sonay Kartal ultimately succumbed to Coco Gauff’s superior play – Us Open Tennis 2024

For about half an hour on No 1 Court, Sonay Kartal conjured up thoughts of a major upset as she went toe to toe with Coco Gauff, one of the favourites for the US Open Tennis 2024 women’s title. The first British qualifier to reach the third round here since 1997, Sonay Kartal was not fazed by the occasion or opponent, and recovered an early break for 4-4 before the second seed pulled away for a 6-4, 6-0 victory.

Ranked 298, the 22-year-old Sonay Kartal will now return to the world’s top 200 at a career-high 189, a reward for qualifying and then beating seasoned players in Sorana Cirstea and Clara Burel. The No 2 seed proved a bridge too far, but the progress is encouraging for Sonay Kartal, who has shown remarkable improvement throughout the US Open Tennis 2024 season.

Gauff, meanwhile, is through to the fourth round without dropping a set as she tries to add Wimbledon to her first slam title, won at the US Open Tennis 2024 last summer. She will play a fellow American, the No 19 seed Emma Navarro, next. “I thought I played really well,” Gauff said. “Sonay Kartal was playing high level, especially in the first set. She wasn’t giving me much to work with and she mixes it up, so you never feel settled. I was just trying to make fewer mistakes. Eventually, I found it and I was able to do well.”

The first time Jasmine Paolini played on grass, she was not quite sure what to make of it all. Having grown up on clay, the Italian had really only seen grass-court tennis on television, so when she arrived in England in 2016, it was an unusual feeling.

“[It was] the first time I [tried to] qualify for Wimbledon,” she said. “It was a really weird relationship with grass, I think. I remember I won with [Aryna] Sabalenka in Ilkley. I said, ‘oh, maybe I can play here’. But then the year after that win, I played not so well. My coach was telling me: ‘Look, you can play well,’ but I wasn’t believing it. Now I am enjoying it. I think it’s nice to play on grass. I played a good week last week in Eastbourne. I’m feeling good at the moment.”

So she should be. Having begun the year ranked 29, Paolini won her second WTA Tour title in Dubai in February and then enjoyed a breakthrough run to the final at the US Open Tennis 2024, only losing out to Iga Swiatek, the now four-time champion.

On Friday, she continued to make the transition from clay to grass look easy as she beat Bianca Andreescu, the former US Open champion, 7-6 (4), 6-1 to reach the fourth round. Until this year, she had not won a match at Wimbledon in three previous attempts.

“I think I played a really good match,” she said. “It was not easy. She’s a great player, a grand slam champion. So I’m really happy.”

At 5ft 4in, Paolini is one of the shortest players on the Tour. What she might lack in height, she more than makes up for through her movement and her racket-head speed, which can turn defense into attack in a flash. Her low center of gravity is also a bonus on grass, where the ball bounces less, especially in the cooler conditions she has faced throughout the first week.

Next up for Paolini is Madison Keys, a former US Open finalist and a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon twice. The American took care of Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 6-4, 6-3 and will present Paolini with new problems.

“It’s going to be tough,” the Italian admitted. “I think last year I won two games against her in Dubai. But I hope it’s going to be a different match. I practiced with her in Eastbourne once. I’m looking forward to this match. I hope to play a good match and we will see.”

This time last year, Paula Badosa had to retire on court with a lower back injury that kept her off the Tour until just a couple of months ago. On Friday, the Spaniard burst into tears after her 7-6 (6), 4-6, 6-4 win over Daria Kasatkina, the winner in Eastbourne last weekend.

“It’s not my first time in a second week, but I think it’s the most special,” said the former world No 2, who reached the last 16 in 2021 and 2022. “I’m really proud of myself. I’ve been struggling a lot with injuries.

“For me, it meant so much. Last year here I had to retire. Then it took me months to feel ready to compete again. At the start of the year, I felt myself so far away … now seeing myself back at it, it means a lot.”

Sonay Kartal’s journey through the US Open Tennis 2024 season serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance and determination. Despite being ranked 298, Sonay Kartal’s performance in this high-stakes environment showcased her potential and grit. Her ability to push Coco Gauff, one of the tournament’s favorites, to the limit, particularly in the first set, was a highlight. Sonay Kartal’s progress from a qualifier to reaching the third round, and now achieving a career-high ranking, speaks volumes about her capabilities and future prospects.

Gauff’s acknowledgment of Sonay Kartal’s skill level during their match underscores the respect she garnered from her peers. Sonay Kartal’s varied play style, mixing up her shots and keeping Gauff unsettled, demonstrated her strategic acumen on the court. This experience will undoubtedly serve Sonay Kartal well as she continues to compete at higher levels and strive for more significant accomplishments in her tennis career.

The evolution of Sonay Kartal’s career, from a relatively unknown player to one who has now made a mark at one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, is a journey worth following. Her ascent in the rankings and her ability to challenge top-tier players suggest that Sonay Kartal has the potential to become a prominent figure in women’s tennis.

The broader narrative of the US Open Tennis 2024 tournament also highlights the challenges and triumphs of other players. Jasmine Paolini’s transition from clay to grass, Paula Badosa’s emotional comeback, and the competitive spirit shown by various players all contribute to the rich tapestry of the event. Each player’s story, including that of Sonay Kartal, adds depth to the tournament, showcasing the diverse paths and experiences that define professional tennis.

As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on how players like Sonay Kartal continue to develop and impact the sport. Her journey, marked by resilience and tenacity, serves as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players and fans alike. Sonay Kartal’s ability to rise through the ranks and perform under pressure highlights the essence of competitive sports and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

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