Sonay Kartal pulls off biggest career victory at Queen’s Club

Written By Sneha Mukherjee

Glasgow, Scotland – June 11, 2025 – British wildcard Sonay Kartal stunned the tennis world by defeating world No. 16 Daria Kasatkina 6‑1, 3‑6, 6‑3 in the first round of the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club. This marks the most significant victory of Kartal’s career, both in terms of ranking and personal milestone.
On the newly christened Andy Murray Arena, Kartal delivered a blistering opening set before weathering a fierce fightback from Kasatkina in the second. She then regrouped to dominate the final set, wrapping up a memorable two‑hour‑five‑minute triumph.
Speaking on court, Kartal admitted to some nerves early on, but underlined the occasion’s importance: “To be able to play on this court with you guys cheering me on was a super‑special moment,” she said. Reflecting on her recent progress, she added, “The last few months I’ve played bigger tournaments so I’m handling the bigger occasions better... I’m going at my own pace in this crazy sport.”
At just 23, Kartal has already risen swiftly through the rankings, breaking into the top 50 on 9 June 2025. Until this month, her previous highlight was a third‑round run at Indian Wells, where she secured her first top‑20 win against Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Kartal’s victory also holds historical significance: she becomes the first Brit to win a women’s match at Queen’s since the tournament reinstated the women’s draw in 1973.
With her confidence soaring, Kartal now advances to the second round, where she'll face either 8th seed Amanda Anisimova or local wildcard Jodie Burrage

What this means for British tennis

  • A milestone on grass: Kartal’s run reflects the resurgence of British women on a surface where they’ve long sought success.

  • Rising alongside peers: Alongside Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter—who also impressed in doubles this week—Britain’s female contingent is gaining momentum on home turf .

  • Momentum into Wimbledon: This win adds vital momentum heading into Wimbledon and the Billie Jean King Cup, where Kartal could play an increasingly pivotal role.

Sonay Kartal’s victory stands as a breakthrough moment—an emphatic statement of her growing stature and resilience. As she progresses through Queen’s, her performances are clearly propelling her, and British women’s tennis, forward.

Sneha Mukherjee

I’m Sneha Mukherjee — and for the past three years, I’ve lived and breathed words. As an SEO Content Writer and Digital Marketing Specialist, I’ve helped SaaS, AI, tech, and eCommerce brands cut through the noise with search-optimised content that doesn’t just rank — it converts, builds trust, and tells a story. I’ve collaborated with global agencies, platforms like Wavel AI, and built this very website you’re on — in just four hours — to showcase the work I believe in.

But lately, I’ve found myself on the edge of something new.

I’m transitioning into bid writing — drawn by its blend of strategy, persuasion, and high-stakes storytelling. It’s a shift that feels both exciting and natural. After all, good bids, like good SEO copy, are about understanding your audience, showing impact, and crafting a clear, compelling narrative that wins.

Away from the keyboard, I’m also learning the art of photography. I’m not a pro — not yet — but I’m learning, lens by lens. I shoot with a Canon 4000D and four trusted lenses: the 18–55mm kit, a 75–300mm telephoto, a 10–18mm wide-angle, and a sharp little 24mm. I recently added a GoPro Hero 12 to my setup — perfect for Scotland’s wild weather and rugged backdrops.

I photograph wildlife and nightscapes — capturing the raw stillness of stags in the Highlands and the star-streaked skies over Glencoe. My camera is teaching me patience, detail, and how to tell a story without saying a word.

Right now, I’m open to full-time opportunities in content writing, brand storytelling, technical SEO, and bid writing — and I’m always up for creative collaborations across the UK and Europe.

If you’re looking for someone who can bring clarity to complexity — in words or through a lens — I’d love to connect.

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