Kartal upsets Andreeva to reach China Open quarters

Kartal upsets Andreeva to reach China Open quarters

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Sonay Kartal, the British player who defeated world number five Mirra Andreeva to reach the China Open quarter-finals, took the biggest blow of her career.

In a thrilling battle that spanned two hours and 25 minutes, the British number four defeated the Russian 7-5, 2-6, 7-5.

Kartal’s victory against a player in the top 10 marks her first appearance in the final eight of a WTA 1000 competition.

Andrea is a top-10 player for a very good reason, Kartal said.

She gave me my best tennis today, so I’m grateful for it, but I’m so happy with what I did.

Meanwhile, American 16th seed Emma Navarro shocked world number two Iga Swiatek toppled her.

Kartal, 23, fought off the fourth seed in the first set from her stand-alone break point.

Andreeva dominated the second set, breaking twice as Kartal struggled to get a first serve percentage of 60%.

Kartal, the 81-year-old world number, showed resilience in the third set as Andreeva struggled to sustain her momentum.

Kartal had a second chance after failing to take match point when Andreeva fired wide.

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Source: BBC

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