Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

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

Sonay Kartal continued her remarkable return from a six-month injury layoff by defeating Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets to reach the championship match at the Wuhan Open. The 24-year-old staged comebacks in both sets, erasing multiple deficits and successfully fending off six set points before prevailing 7-6, 7-6 in the tie-breaks.

Starting the week as the world number 170 due to her inactivity, Kartal secured the lowest ranking for a WTA 1000 finalist since the tier was established in 2009. Her run guarantees a climb into the top 50 in the upcoming rankings, simultaneously surpassing Katie Boulter to claim the status of British number one.

Reflecting on the physical and mental demands of the semifinal, Kartal described it as among the most difficult contests of her career. Her path to the final also included victories over Belinda Bencic, Jasmine Paolini, and Elina Svitolina after she initially signaled her recovery with wins at the China Open.

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