Sonay Kartal has made an impressive return to the tennis scene, rising to become the new British number one after her remarkable performance at the Wuhan Open. Just six months prior, she struggled with a debilitating back injury that left her unable to perform daily tasks without severe pain.

After a long and challenging recovery, Kartal made her competitive comeback just under a month ago. At the Wuhan Open, she reached the biggest final of her career in only her third tournament back, showcasing her resilience and skill.

Kartal shared her experience:

In the first month or so, I was at home in bed. There were good days and bad days where I wasn't really able to walk without some form of pain.

Her achievement at the WTA 1,000 event is significant, considering the tough competition. She defeated several high-profile opponents, including current top-10 players and former Grand Slam champions, before facing a tough loss against Maja Chwalinska, the French Open runner-up.

Despite the defeat, Kartal's journey back to form is noteworthy. After being ranked 54th in the world when her injury occurred, she utilized a protected injury ranking to compete in Wuhan. Earning 650 points as the runner-up has propelled her back above her previous ranking, inching closer to her career-high of 44th achieved in July 2025.

Kartal's successful re-entry into the sport comes at a crucial time for British women's tennis, which has struggled in her absence. She is now poised to enter tournaments without a protected ranking, allowing her greater flexibility as she continues her comeback.

Reflecting on her achievements, Kartal stated, "I think I've gone above and beyond that. The goal has been achieved this week and I'm in a good spot for the rest of the year and next year." Her performance marks a significant moment for British tennis, as she becomes the first British player to reach a WTA 1000 final since Johanna Konta in 2019.