British star Sonay Kartal has exited the US Open at the first hurdle.
The 23-year-old, who produced a scintillating run to reach the Wimbledon fourth round, battled back from a set down against Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Kartal, who was struggling with cramping, was unable to close out the contest, eventually losing 3-6 6-1 1-6.
Kartal has struggled for form since Wimbledon, losing in the first round at both the Cincinnati Open and Cleveland Championships.
After her defeat to Haddad Maia, nine-time Wimbledon Ladies Singles champion Martina Navratilova identified a mistake Kartal made during the match.
Martina Navratilova says Sonay Kartal should have made the points shorter against Beatriz Haddad Maia
Kartal was suffering from cramps in multiple areas during her loss to Haddad Maia.
As per the Guardian, Kartal said after the match: “Where wasn’t I feeling it? We had calves, we had quads, we had hamstrings, and we had the fingers [clamped down] on the tennis racket. You feel helpless on court. My body didn’t let me finish it how I wanted to feel it.”
After Kartal’s loss, Martina Navratilova discussed Kartal’s tactical decision-making while dealing with cramp.
Navratilova claimed the match between Kartal and Haddad Maia should have been much closer, pinpointing an error Kartal made by not taking advantage of her good shots and consequently making the points shorter.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Navratilova said: “I don’t think she recognized when she hit a really good ball, or maybe she was too tired, and also she was cramping.
“So it’s hard to tell how much of it was what she does all the time, or it was hampered because of the cramping situation, so you try to save yourself for the right opportunity.
“It’s about making the point shorter, because you don’t want to run too much, so take advantage of the good shots when you hit them.
“Sonay [Kartal] had her opportunities, had lots of opportunities, but couldn’t get the job done, and at the end it was an easy win in the third set for [Beatriz] Haddad Maia, but it should have been a lot closer.
“Both players were struggling with their physical condition. Haddad Maia, maybe with her experience she has, it just paid off.”
Navratilova comments on Kartal’s lack of experience
Navratilova continued to discuss Kartal’s performance, noting the Brit’s inexperience in dealing with the environment she found herself in.
Navratilova said: “It’s a lot coming at you, dealing with the crowd, with the wind, with the weather, with the body, and with the opponent.
“So it’s a learning experience, and hopefully she will learn how to manage the body better so that the cramps don’t show up.
“It wasn’t that hot but I think it’s nerves. Both players struggled the same way. If I were her, I would watch those points, watch the match, and see where I can improve, not just hitting the ball, but positioning.”
