Sonay Kartal Becomes British Number One in Remarkable Comeback

Six months ago, Sonay Kartal was in such pain from a stress fracture in her back that she struggled with everyday activities. Now, the 24-year-old British tennis player has achieved a career-high ranking and become the British number one after an extraordinary run to the Wuhan Open final.

Kartal's comeback began less than a month ago, and her appearance in the Wuhan final, a WTA 1000 event, marks the biggest final of her career. The tournament attracts top players, and Kartal defeated several highly-ranked opponents, including top-10 players and former Grand Slam champions, before falling to Maja Chwalinska in the final. The defeat, after holding a set and break advantage, was difficult, but Kartal quickly focused on the positive trajectory of her return.

Prior to her injury at Indian Wells in March, Kartal was ranked 54th in the world. She utilized a protected injury ranking, a system for players absent for six months or more, to compete in Wuhan. Her runner-up finish earned her 650 points, propelling her back above her previous ranking and nearing her career-best of 44th, achieved in July 2025. This success demonstrates the WTA's protected ranking system effectively supporting players returning from lengthy absences.

The points earned mean Kartal will not need to rely on a protected ranking for future tournaments, including the Australian Open, in the 2027 season. This will allow her greater flexibility in scheduling and managing her workload. "My goal on the Asian swing was just to try to defend those points I had from last year and make the use of the protected ranking worthwhile," Kartal stated. "I think I've gone above and beyond that. The goal has been achieved this week and I'm in a good spot for the rest of the year and next year."

Kartal's return comes at a crucial time for British women's tennis. With her absence from three Grand Slams in 2026, no British woman advanced past the second round in any major. Kartal herself had only reached the third round of a Grand Slam twice in her career. However, her performance in Wuhan demonstrated her capability at the elite level, making her the first British player since Johanna Konta in 2019 to reach a WTA 1000 final. Her result is the best by a British woman since Emma Raducanu's 2021 US Open victory.

Alongside Arthur Fery's Wimbledon semi-final run, Kartal's resurgence offers a much-needed boost for British tennis fans. While not possessing the natural power of some top players, Kartal's consistent baseline hitting, athleticism, and composure were key to her success in Wuhan. Maintaining fitness will be crucial moving forward.

Kartal has confirmed her back injury has fully healed, a result of dedicated rehabilitation. She credited her coach Ben Reeves, fitness coach Ian Aylward, and physio Dani Gillanders for their support in her recovery. "If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be here," Kartal said. "It makes it even better that the three people who helped me get back to fitness and fixed my back are with me. It's been a special week for all of us."