Brit Sonay Kartal reaches WTA final after opponent"s illness

Sonay Kartal, a 22-year-old tennis player from Brighton, achieved a significant milestone by reaching her first WTA Tour final at the Jasmin Open in Tunisia. Her opponent, Eva Lys, was forced to retire due to illness after just 24 minutes of play, with Kartal leading 5-1 at the time. This unexpected turn of events allowed Kartal to advance without completing the match, marking a career-best week for her. Kartal's journey to the final included successfully navigating through the qualifying rounds, showcasing her determination and skill on the court. She is now set to face Rebecca Sramkova in the final, who is also making her debut in a WTA Tour final. Both players are expected to experience nerves as they compete for their first main tour title. Despite the circumstances of her advancement, Kartal expressed empathy for Lys, acknowledging the difficulty of winning a match in such a manner. She emphasized her desire to compete against her opponent at full strength, highlighting the sportsmanship that exists within the competitive environment. A victory in the final would not only secure Kartal her maiden title but also propel her into the top 100 rankings for the first time in her career. This achievement would place her alongside fellow British player Katie Boulter, who has also won on the WTA Tour this season, further enhancing the profile of British tennis on the international stage.