Sonay Kartal continues to build post injury momentum with surprise Bencic win as Iga Swiatek eases through

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 10:15

Sonay Kartal has had issues with injury since her breakout at Wimbledon last year and has barely played for the last 12 months as a result, but since returning last month it has been a marked rise back to form for the 24-year-old.

Kartal reached a career high ranking of 44 last year, but has slipped down to 170th in the world after a six-month injury absence. Having returned last month at the Billie Jean King Cup, she reached the third round at the China Open in Beijing last week before beating Anhelina Kalinina in her opening match in Wuhan.

The 6-0, 7-5 win over Belinda Bencic on Wednesday morning was the second biggest win of Kartal's career by ranking. Bencic was a Wimbledon semi-finalist last year and the comeback player of the year on tour. But Kartal was irresistible as she now moves through to face Jasmine Paolini in Wuhan.

"I trusted that I would be able to get my level back, I just didn't know how quickly," Kartal said.

Sonay Kartal waits to receive in practice

Sonay Kartal continues to thrive.

"I did a lot of things right today but I still think there's a long way to go.

"I can produce the level, but can I sustain it? I think that's going to be the hardest challenge. I'm happy to be back, I'm feeling good."

Kartal suffered a stress fracture in her back in March and as a result, she missed three out of this year's four Grand Slams including Wimbledon. She had done so well at Wimbledon last year with Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter faltering, she became the shining light reaching the fourth round. She sealed wins over Emma Navarro and Madison Keys at Indian Wells also before she had to retire against Elena Rybakina.

Swiatek and Chwalinska both through, Jovic and co lead WTA Finals fight

But now she has emphatically returned. Speaking of, Iga Swiatek the former World Number One also continues her glimmers of form as she recorded her 40th win of the season seeing off Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-1.

Wins too this morning for her fellow Pole Maja Chwalinska 1-6, 6-1, 6-1 over Marie Bouzkova. While Elina Svitolina, Iva Jovic and Karolina Muchova have also survived. All are trying to qualify for the WTA Finals, while Jovic might be an uphill battle at this point they are still all firmly in play and so this makes this tournament even more intriguing.

Read also

Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula and Leylah Fernandez are all in action to end the day here in Wuhan, but for Kartal and co it is a good start.

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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