British star Sonay Kartal says she is due a couple of new tattoos after enjoying "one of the best weeks" of her life by reaching the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open.
Kartal claimed one of the biggest wins of her career as she beat world No 6 Elina Svitolina on Friday. The 24-year-old, playing in only her third tournament since returning from a back injury, seized her first match-point opportunity to complete the stunning victory.
Kartal, who made her breakthrough by reaching the fourth round of last year's Wimbledon, advanced to the last four of a WTA 1000 event for the first time. "Definitely one of the best weeks of my life," she said. "You could say, results-wise, that is definitely the best for me so far." She added that she was happy to keep her level consistent each day, pointing to some of her best wins coming this week.
Kartal also revealed she is due a couple of new tattoos. She had one booked but cancelled at the last minute after heading to the Billie Jean King Cup with Great Britain. Asked whether she would get one done if she won in Wuhan, the Brighton-based star smiled and said she would have to think about it.
Using a protected injury ranking, Kartal had previously peaked at No 44 and started Wuhan at No 170. She has now climbed 83 places to No 87 in the live rankings, and is assured of becoming British No 2 behind Katie Boulter. She will next face Latvian world No 34 Jelena Ostapenko, who beat Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing