Aryna Sabalenka received a code violation early on in her match against Sonay Kartal (Image: Sky Sports)
received a code violation minutes into her fourth-round match in Indian Wells. The world No. 1 was facing Sonay Kartal, the third-ranked Brit who got into the draw as a lucky loser. Sabalenka had little knowledge of her opponent going into the contest and it showed – she was broken straight away.
After losing the first game, the top seed received a warning from the umpire for an audible obscenity. She quickly regrouped to get back on serve. But there was another unusual incident when Sabalenka had to help fix the net before asking for VAR.
Kartal had never competed in the main draw of a WTA 1000 event before this fortnight. After losing in the final round of qualifying, she made it in when Sloane Stephens pulled out, and she’s since made the most of her late entry.
The world No. 83 faced the biggest test of her career on Wednesday, meeting top seed and three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka.
While some players would get nervous facing a top player in one of the biggest tournaments, Kartal took it in her stride and got off to the best possible start, breaking Sabalenka in the first game.
The world No. 1 was clearly frustrated and immediately received a warning. “Sabalenka maybe just feeling a little bit rattled as well because she’s just picked up a code violation for an audible obscenity already,” Adam Fielder said on Sky Sports commentary.
Aryna Sabalenka helped to fix the net when it popped out of its attachment (Image: Sky Sports)
Just in
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
But the Belarusian quickly regrouped and immediately broke back to draw level. There was more drama in the fourth game of the match when Sabalenka sent a ball into the net and it popped out of its attachment in the middle of the court.
The world No. 1 got involved, walking over to help fix it. Sabalenka then used the video review system to check when the net popped out and if it interfered with her point.
VAR is available for players to use on all courts in Indian Wells this week. But they get three challenges per set.
The umpire ruled that the net only came loose after the rally was over and the point went to Kartal. But Sabalenka continued her comeback, breaking again to win her third straight game.
The top seed continued to dominate, breaking for the third time to serve for the set. She reeled off six games in a row to take it 6-1 despite her early wobble, saving another break point.
Ahead of their first meeting, Sabalenka admitted she didn’t know much about the Brit.
“I never play her before, and not like I saw a lot of matches of her, but I’m sure that my team will prepare some highlights of her. We’ll watch some of her games,” the 26-year-old said.
The world No. 1 was informed that Kartal grew up and trained in Brighton, meaning she was used to the blustery conditions in Indian Wells and jokingly replied: “Are you trying to put some pressure on me right now or what?”