‘No idea if I would play’ – how Kartal’s success followed health scare
Sonay Kartal: The Inspiring Journey to Her Best Tennis Season After Health Scare
Few tennis players understand the unpredictable nature of fate like Sonay Kartal. At the start of the year, the 22-year-old British player feared she might not play again due to a health scare that saw her “in and out of hospital.” Fast forward eight months, and Kartal is celebrating the best season of her career.
Two weeks ago, Kartal claimed her first WTA Tour title in Monastir, breaking into the world’s top 100 for the first time. Reflecting on her journey, Kartal told BBC Sport, “Whether I would be fit enough to be on a match court this season was a huge conversation. I had no idea. There was a lot of being in the dark.”
A Positive Start Turned Upside Down
Kartal began the year on a positive note. After not competing since October due to injury, she returned at an ITF event in Loughborough, where she secured her ninth career title. She expressed hope of staying fit for a long season on the tour.
However, fate intervened with a twist. Within weeks, Kartal’s health deteriorated, leading to hospital treatment and several scans that kept her off the court until April.
Although she chose not to disclose the specifics of her health issue, the new British number four shared how overcoming it has provided her with a fresh perspective on life. “You don’t really appreciate the feeling of being healthy until you’re not in control of it,” she said.
Bouncing Back Stronger
After receiving the all-clear to restart her career, Kartal quickly found her form. She won an ITF title in Nottingham, followed by another victory in Monzon, Spain, marking 10 consecutive match wins.
Her success continued at Wimbledon, where she won three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw for the first time without a wildcard. Kartal reached the last 32 but lost to US Open champion Coco Gauff in a hard-fought match. The experience, however, proved invaluable.
Following Wimbledon, Kartal secured back-to-back ITF titles in Roehampton before winning her first WTA Tour title in Monastir.
Kartal’s Rise: Fitness and Mental Strength
Kartal’s journey has been one of patience and perseverance. Unlike fellow Briton and friend Emma Raducanu, who shot to fame with her 2021 US Open victory, Kartal’s path has been more gradual.
Growing up in Brighton with Turkish heritage through her Istanbul-born father, Kartal has worked on becoming fitter and stronger, now embracing gym sessions that she once saw as a “chore.” On the court, Kartal describes herself as a “disrupter,” using variety in her play to wear down opponents and unleash her powerful forehand, her “money shot.”
Looking Ahead: New Goals and Challenges
With her recent success, Kartal has set new goals for the season. Securing a spot in the top 100 and gaining direct entry into the Australian Open are top priorities. “People say, ‘you’ve reached the top 100, you can chill out’. No. I want to push on to the next thing and go even higher,” Kartal said.
Her inspiring journey through adversity has positioned her as one of Britain’s most promising tennis players. With new-found confidence and determination, Sonay Kartal is ready to take on even greater challenges in the world of tennis.
