Wuhan Open: Britain's Sonay Kartal beats Elina Svitolina to reach semi-finals
British tennis player Sonay Kartal has reached the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open after defeating Elina Svitolina. This achievement marks a significant comeback for Kartal following a six-month absence due to a back injury.
Why it matters
Kartal's success highlights the effectiveness of protected injury rankings and the resilience of athletes returning from long-term physical setbacks.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Sonay Kartal has dropped to 170 in the world after her long-term injury, but reached a career-high ranking of 44 in July 2025
Sonay Kartal had a difficult decision to make when she felt ready to rejoin the WTA Tour, having not played for six months because of a debilitating back injury.
Did the 24-year-old Briton ease herself in more gently at lower-ranked tournaments?
Or did the former world number 54 use a protected injury ranking to enter WTA 1000 events in China, where the world's best players compete at the pinnacle of the women's tour?
Kartal chose the latter option - and it is paying off handsomely.
On Friday, she beat world number six Elina Svitolina at the Wuhan Open to reach the first WTA 1000 semi-final of her career.
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