The 22-year-old, who has been held back by injuries and health concerns, came through three rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw and won 10 games in a row to upset 29th seed Sorana Cirstea 3-6 6-2 6-0. It was Kartal’s first victory at any grand slam and by a big distance the best win by ranking of her career. MASSIVE from Sonay Kartal!!! 👊 Her 1st ever Grand Slam win & biggest career win by ranking #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | #Wimbledon pic.
twitter.com/XdGijwitbF — LTA (@the_LTA) July 1, 2024 The Brighton player, who next faces France’s Clara Burel, said the win was “my greatest and definitely my proudest”. She added: “I think getting a first win at any slam, and to have it at Wimbledon makes it extra special.
I think going through qualifying was the best thing for me this year.” Raducanu had expected to face 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova but the big-hitting Russian withdrew because of illness on Monday morning and was replaced by lucky loser Renata Zarazua. The Mexican presented a very different challenge with her excellent drop shots and chopped forehands, and she made life difficult for Raducanu on Centre Court.
A post shared by Emma. (@emmaraducanu) But the 21-year-old, who missed last year’s tournament following wrist and ankle surgeries, found a way through, winning 7-6 (0) 6-3. Afterwards she revealed she had taken inspiration from England’s scrappy win over Slovakia at Euro 2024, saying: “For sure, I sympathise with the players who are bei.
