Sonay Kartal’s dream run at the China Open came to an end, but the British star has her eyes on an even bigger prize after her loss.
Kartal produced her biggest career win against Mirra Andreeva in the last 16, but her run came to an end at the hands of Linda Noskova.
The British No. 2 has had some breakout success in 2025, namely at Wimbledon, Indian Wells, and now the China Open.
The current World No. 82 has set her sights on ranking goals as she ends the year on an excellent high in Asia.
Sonay Kartal is aiming for the WTA Tour top 10 after China Open run
Kartal was not at her best against Noskova, but produced a spirited battle in her straight-sets loss to the World No. 27.
Noskova proved why she’s one of the most hotly-tipped stars in the sport as she played what Kartal described as ‘lights out tennis’ against the Brit.
Nevertheless, the British No. 2 is happy with her run and proud of the results she has produced throughout the year.
“I feel like it’s the first time I’ve bought it to the match court – the new style I want to play,” said Kartal via The LTA.
The star said she feels as if she’s on ‘the right path’ after her dream run at the China Open and revealed her ranking goal for the immediate future.
“I think I’ve proved to myself if I add one or two more things to my game, I can take my level to a top 10 level and higher than I’m ranked now,” said Kartal.
Sonay Kartal cracks the WTA Tour top 60
Kartal has suffered some severe jumps in the rankings, particularly after her impressive run to the Wimbledon fourth round.
The Brit jumped to World No. 44 after Wimbledon, but fell down to World No. 80 after a barren patch over the summer.
Kartal is now up to World No. 60 in the live rankings and she will be the British No. 2 after displacing Katie Boulter.
It is currently unclear where Kartal will be playing next, but she could be in action as soon as the Wuhan Open qualifying.
