Sonay Kartal is through to the third round of Indian Wells as a lucky loser (Image: Getty)
British No. 3 Sonay Kartal has admitted that she was left scrambling to find a new hotel after going on a surprise run in Indian Wells. After losing in qualifying, Kartal got into the main draw as a lucky loser, making WTA 1000 debut. And she’s made the most of her last-minute entry.
The world No. 83 is now through to the third round after earning the biggest win of her career over 16th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia. And Kartal will like her chances of making it to the round of 16 at the tournament dubbed the fifth Grand Slam.
Kartal got a pleasant surprise earlier this week when she was drafted into the main draw in Indian Wells as a lucky loser. After getting a second chance, the 23-year-old came up against Varvara Lepchenko in the first round and won in straight sets.
The second round was a tough one for Kartal as she took on No. 16 seed Haddad Maia. But the Brit destroyed the four-time title winner, needing just 68 minutes to earn a 6-2 6-1 victory.
It was Kartal’s first victory against a top 20 player and the biggest win of her career. Now through to the third round, the world No. 83 has admitted she never thought she’d make it beyond qualifying and didn’t book a hotel to last her long enough.
“I actually moved hotels, so maybe that was why [I didn’t sleep well]. After today’s performance, I will definitely stay there again,” the third-ranked Brit told Sky Sports after her big victory.
Sonay Kartal revealed that she had to find a new hotel after going on a good run in Indian Wells (Image: Sky Sports)
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Asked whether she had to change hotels because she didn’t think she’d still be in Indian Wells, Kartal replied: “Correct.”
After finding new accommodation, the 23-year-old didn’t have the best sleep, but that didn’t stop her from producing a massive upset against Haddad Maia. “I slept pretty badly and, for me, when something starts badly, I normally do a couple of things good,” Kartal explained.
“I think the whole of today I practised really well, I was super focused. Today, for me, kind of felt different. I think I was definitely in the zone more than normal today.”
The Brit, who reached the third round at last summer, is also enjoying the freedom of playing as a lucky loser for the first time in her career. “I think it does take off that pressure,” she said.
“Obviously I’ve got the pressure that I put on myself but it’s nice to almost get a second chance. People always say it’s a good thing coming in. It’s my first time being a lucky loser as well so it’s definitely a good start.”
Kartal now has a decent chance to reach the fourth round in Indian Wells, as she takes on world No. 60 Polina Kudermetova in her next match. But she’s not getting carried away.
The lucky loser added: “I’m someone that tends to not really look at the draw. Obviously everyone here plays amazing tennis.
“I’m excited, all these tournaments I’m playing new opponents and it’s new matches and it’s someone new. So I think I’ll do the same as I have previous days, do my research [and] put in loads of practice tomorrow.”