Sonay Kartal is through to the last 16 in Indian Wells (Image: Getty)
Britain’s Sonay Kartal will play the biggest match of her career on Wednesday as she faces world No. 1 in Indian Wells. The 23-year-old made it into the main draw as a lucky loser, and she’s made the most of it, earning three statement wins to reach the last 16.
Despite being a top 100 player and a WTA Tour title winner, Kartal previously whenever she’s at home in the UK. The world No. 83 will now be hoping her efforts translate to one of tennis’ biggest stadiums.
Kartal’s run has been one of the stories of the tournament in Indian Wells. After losing in the final round of qualifying, the Brit got the opportunity to enter the main draw of a WTA 1000 event for the first time when Sloane Stephens pulled out injured.
Three straight-set wins later, the 23-year-old , where she will meet three-time Major winner Sabalenka.
Kartal has been preparing for this moment for years. The British No. 3 was a top national junior player, and she’s already had some deep runs on tour – reaching the third round of and winning her first title in Tunisia last year.
But some may be surprised to learn that her preparations include training at a budget, high-street gym. Kartal has access to the LTA’s National Tennis Centre, where she also practices, but she enjoys the “fun environment” in her local facility.
Sonay Kartal will face world No. 1 and three-time Major winner Aryna Sabalenka (Image: Getty)
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“I mean, I gym there for a reason. I quite like that environment,” the world No. 83 told at last summer.
“Obviously, you know, I have different facilities, up at National Tennis Centre gyms and I also go to another gym as well.
“Sometimes I just like to, it’s nice to go somewhere where it’s just completely not tennis and just completely different environment, fun environment. So that’s my choice, that one.”
The 23-year-old also remains loyal to her childhood tennis club, the Pavilion & Avenue in Brighton. “I’m not one to change anything,” she added.
“There’s a reason why I still train at the same club and have choices to train elsewhere at better facilities but I like my home comforts and I like to do what makes me happy.”
Her decision to stay dedicated to the high-street gym and her home club has paid off. Players often struggle with the wind in Indian Wells, but because she trains by the sea in Brighton.
“These courts play differently, they’re super spinny, it’s windy, they’re slower than normal courts which works in my favour, growing up in Brighton, having one of the windiest you can have by the sea!” Kartal told Sky Sports after her third-round win.
Sabalenka was also informed of Kartal’s Brighton roots, and the world No. 1 joked: “Are you trying to put some pressure on me right now or what?”
The pair will face off on Wednesday with a quarter-final place on the line.