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Sonay Kartal continues impressive return to WTA Tour with straight set win at Wuhan Open

Sonay Kartal made a strong return to professional tennis with a commanding straight-sets victory over Anhelina Kalinina at the Wuhan Open, advancing to the second round. The British player, ranked 170th in the world after a six-month absence due to a back injury, defeated Kalinina in 7-5, 6-3, securing her first WTA Tour win since her comeback.

Kartal’s performance builds momentum after reaching the third round of the China Open last week, marking her first WTA tournament since recovering from a stress fracture in her back. Her next challenge will be against ninth-seeded Swiss player Belinda Bencic, though Kartal’s recent form suggests growing confidence following her return to competition.

Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen withdrew from the Wuhan Open after winning the China Open earlier this month, citing fatigue following an intense schedule. The Chinese player, who underwent elbow surgery last year, had struggled with fitness before a recent resurgence led to her Beijing triumph.

Kartal’s comeback also includes a win in the Billie Jean Cup team event last month, where she lost to 26th-ranked Marie Bouzkova before defeating Andrea Lazaro Garcia and Wang Xinyu in Beijing before her third-round exit to Alina Charaeva.

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