Sonay Kartal reached the Wuhan Open final in her third tournament back from injury, falling to Maja Chwalinska 6-2, 4-6, 2-6. Her performances impressed world number four Jessica Pegula, who highlighted Kartal's straightforward demeanor and work ethic during an appearance on The Player's Box Podcast.
Pegula recalled watching Kartal compete at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and noted her admiration for the British player's pragmatic attitude on court. "She's so good, and her attitude is no-nonsense: I'm here to play, whatever," Pegula said. She added that Wuhan's slower conditions particularly suited Kartal's grinding style and movement.
Kartal defeated several top players en route to the final, including Jasmine Paolini, Elina Svitolina and Jelena Ostapenko. The run propelled her into the world's top 50, climbing from outside the top 150 before the tournament. Fellow star Madison Keys also praised Kartal's talent after losing to her at Indian Wells earlier in the year.
