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.