Kartal Stuns Ostapenko to Reach First WTA 1000 Final Since Konta
Sonay Kartal has reached her first WTA 1000 final by defeating former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko in a dramatic semi-final at the Wuhan Open. The 24-year-old British player, ranked 170th due to a six-month back injury absence, fought back from a double break down in both sets to win 7-6 (11-9), 7-6 (7-5). This victory makes her the lowest-ranked player to reach a WTA 1000 final since the format's inception and secures her position as Britain's No. 1 player. She will face either Iga Swiatek or Maja Chwalinska in Sunday's final.