In an exciting opening match at the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, British player Sonay Kartal defeated Spanish competitor Cristina Bucsa with a score of 6-3, 7-6(8). This victory propels Kartal into the Last 16, where she is set to face Switzerland’s top seed, Belinda Bencic, on Wednesday.
Kartal’s Journey at Abu Dhabi Open
Sonay Kartal, currently ranked No. 61, started her season with a strong performance in Auckland, reaching the quarter-finals. However, her journey at the Australian Open ended in the first round against Anna Kalinskaya from Russia. In Abu Dhabi, she showcased her skills by qualifying for the main draw without losing a set, overcoming Ukraine’s Yulia Starodubsteva and Belarus’ Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
Despite being four places lower in the rankings, Kartal’s performance this year has been impressive. In her match against Bucsa, she took a commanding lead in the second set at 5-2. However, Bucsa mounted a comeback, pushing the set into a tiebreak, where Kartal ultimately triumphed after an hour and 33 minutes.
Next Challenge Against Bencic
As Kartal prepares to face Bencic, the current World No. 9, she acknowledges the challenge ahead. Bencic received a first-round bye, meaning she will begin her tournament against the British player on Wednesday.
Highlights from Day 2 of the Abu Dhabi Open
- Alex Eala, from the Philippines, delighted the local fans with a victory over Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez, winning 6-4, 6-3.
- A remarkable 2,897 students from 41 schools attended the event as part of a free-entry initiative for children.
- Jelena Ostapenko, the No. 7 seed, staged a comeback against Oksana Selekhmeteva, saving two match points in a match that concluded with a 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-2 scoreline.
- Indonesian player Janice Tjen secured a victory over Australia’s Maya Joint in a closely contested match, finishing 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-3.
Player Comments and Upcoming Matches
Eala expressed her gratitude for the support she received during her match against Sonmez. “I’m so honoured to share the court with one of my closest friends, Zeynep,” she remarked. Looking ahead, Eala will compete against Belarusian unlucky loser, Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
In another match, Swiss qualifier Simona Waltert overcame Daria Kasatkina after an intense battle that lasted 2 hours and 44 minutes. Waltert’s victory sets her up against the No. 3 seed, Clara Tauson.
As the Abu Dhabi Open progresses, fans can expect thrilling matches showcasing top talent in the tennis world.
