"I will do the same as I did in the previous days": Sonay Kartal not concerned about draw after securing upset win against Beatriz Haddad Maia at Indian Wells

Britain’s young tennis star Sonay Kartal has stated that she is not concerned about the draw after securing an impressive win in the second round at the Indian Wells. The 23-year-old was one of the lucky losers who managed to cement her spot in the main draw despite losing in the qualifying round.

In the round of 128, she defeated Varvara Lepchenko of the USA in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-2. In the second round, she secured an upset win against 16th-seed Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-1.

Talking after the match to Sky Sports, Kartal stated that she started the day after not sleeping well because she had to change hotels, thinking that today would be her last outing in the competition. The London-born explained that her primary focus in the match was to stay calm and not look at the scorecard as that would’ve made her excited. Kartal also explained that she is not concerned about the draw and her focus will be to research about her next opponent and train normally tomorrow.

“I slept pretty badly and when something starts badly, I don’t do couple of things good,” she said. “I actually moved hotels [because I thought I wouldn’t win this],” she said. “But I practice really well. I was super focused. Today kind a feel different. I was definitely in the zone more than normal today. I think in the second set, that was my mindset [to not look at the score]. I think like that you play with much more freedom. When you see yourself getting closer to crossing the line, then you starting to get a little too excited and stuff. So that’s all I focused on through the whole match. Just forget the score, play tennis and treat it almost as if like it is a practice [session]. I think it does take off pressure [to come in to the competition as a lucky loser]. Its nice to get a new chance. Its my first time as a lucky loser so it is a terrific start. I did not know who I was playing [in the next round]. They told me in the press about that draw. I am someone who tends to not look at the draw. Everyone plays here amazing tennis. I will do the same as I did in the previous days, do some research and practice tomorrow.