Sonay Kartal Surges in BNP Paribas Open as Lucky Loser

INDIAN WELLS, California — Sonay Kartal, the 23-year-old British tennis player, has turned her misfortune into opportunity at the BNP Paribas Open after earning a spot in the main draw as a lucky loser. A week ago, she suffered a three-set defeat in the final round of qualifying, but with Sloane Stephens‘ withdrawal due to a foot injury, Kartal seized her chance.

“Obviously, I was super disappointed,” Kartal said following her round of 32 victory over Polina Kudermetova. “But that’s one of the things about being so close to getting directly into the main draw. I knew I had a shot at being a lucky loser.” Kartal’s spectacular run now leads her to a Round of 16 matchup against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

After defeating Kudermetova 7-5, 6-3, Kartal has guaranteed herself a six-figure payday and continues to impress with her performance. “With a game-style like hers, she’s going to hit winners left, right and center the entire match,” Kartal told wtatennis.com. “It was just something I had already accepted… the most important thing was to hold serve and keep the scoreboard pressure on her.”

In the tournament, Kartal displayed resilience, having previously achieved a notable win over No. 16 Beatriz Haddad Maia, marking her first career victory against a Top 20 player. Last year, she showcased similar talent at Wimbledon by winning three qualifying matches and defeating two Top 50 players before losing to World No. 2 Coco Gauff.

“I learned so much from that match against Coco,” Kartal explained. “You go into it feeling like you have to bring your best game. I feel like I don’t have to overplay now; I’m just going to play my game and keep the same mindset.”

Kartal’s successful trajectory also included winning seven matches at the Jasmin Open in Tunisia, a victory that secured her first Hologic WTA Tour title. Heading into the BNP Paribas Open ranked No. 83 in the PIF WTA Rankings, reaching the fourth round has propelled her to new career highs. With her comfort on the outdoor courts in Indian Wells, having begun playing at the Pavillion & Avenue Tennis Club in Brighton at age six, Kartal is set to face the formidable Sabalenka next.

Reflecting on her journey, Kartal shared insights about overcoming a health scare that had jeopardized her career last year. “I had no idea if I was going to play. It was touch and go what was going to happen. It 100 percent changed my outlook,” she recounted, although she chose not to disclose the specifics of her ailment. “The media tried at Wimbledon, but they didn’t get past me.”

As her remarkable story unfolds at this year’s BNP Paribas Open, Kartal firmly establishes herself as a player to watch, demonstrating both talent and tenacity on the WTA Tour.