Linda Noskova Defeats Sonay Kartal in China Open Quarter-Finals
Linda Noskova faced off against Sonay Kartal in the quarter-finals of the China Open, securing a solid victory. The match took place on Friday morning, where Noskova emerged triumphant with a score of 6-3, 6-4. This victory propelled her into the semi-finals in Beijing.
Sonay Kartal’s Journey in the China Open
Sonay Kartal, a rising British tennis player, enjoyed a remarkable tournament leading up to the quarter-finals. She achieved her greatest win to date by defeating Mirra Andreeva in the previous round. Kartal’s path to the quarter-finals included victories over:
- Alycia Parks
- Daria Kasatkina (14th seed)
- Maya Joint
In her match against Andreeva, Kartal won a challenging encounter with a score of 7-5, 2-6, 7-5. However, her momentum could not sustain against Noskova, who had only advanced past one WTA 1000 quarter-final previously.
Match Highlights
The quarter-final clash saw both players exchange breaks early in the first set. Kartal managed to level the score at 3-3, but Noskova quickly countered with three consecutive wins, taking the first set 6-3.
In the second set, Kartal broke Noskova’s serve right away but couldn’t maintain the advantage. As the match progressed, Noskova’s consistency became evident. She capitalized on break opportunities, leading 3-3 once more. The pressure on Kartal intensified as she served at 4-5 and was broken to love.
Match Statistics
| Player | Winners |
|---|---|
| Linda Noskova | 30 |
| Sonay Kartal | 15 |
Noskova sealed her victory with a decisive forehand winner, marking her debut in the semi-finals. Post-match, she reflected on her performance, highlighting the challenges posed by break points. “It was a successful tournament already,” she stated, emphasizing her enjoyment of being on the court.
Looking Ahead
Noskova expressed her intent to focus on her game rather than her potential opponents, such as Jessica Pegula or Emma Navarro, who were set to play later that day. As her confidence grows, her journey in the tournament continues with high hopes for future success.
