Kartal Stuns Keys with Comeback at Indian Wells

‘Fighter’ Kartal Stuns Keys in Indian Wells Comeback

Sonay Kartal showed remarkable determination to defeat Madison Keys in a dramatic comeback at the Indian Wells Open.

The British number two recovered from a set down to beat the former Australian Open champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the third round, securing a place in the last 16.

Despite dealing with a persistent back injury, Kartal displayed resilience to turn the match around in just under two hours.

“At times in this match I was in discomfort with my back, so it shows the fighter in me,” Kartal said.

Comeback After Difficult Start

Keys, the 15th seed and winner of the Australian Open in 2025, controlled the opening set with powerful baseline play.

Kartal struggled early but began to find her rhythm in the second set.

The Brit improved her returning and movement, breaking Keys’ serve twice to level the match.

She then carried that momentum into the deciding set, maintaining composure to complete the upset.

Playing Through Injury

Kartal revealed she was still dealing with the back problem that troubled her during her second-round match against Emma Navarro.

In that match she saved a match point before progressing.

The injury remained an issue against Keys.

“It was a pretty big hindrance,” Kartal admitted.

She had limited practice before the match and focused mainly on recovery.

Another Strong Indian Wells Run

The victory continues Kartal’s impressive record at the California tournament.

Her breakthrough performance at Indian Wells in 2024 — when she reached the fourth round on her debut at a WTA 1000 event — helped launch a standout season.

She later climbed to a career-high world ranking of 44 in 2025.

By defeating Keys, Kartal becomes the first British woman to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells twice.

Tough Next Test Awaits

Kartal will now face Elena Rybakina in the fourth round.

Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, advanced with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Marta Kostyuk.

Elsewhere in the tournament:

• Katerina Siniakova knocked out defending champion Mirra Andreeva in a three-set battle.
• World number two Iga Swiatek defeated Maria Sakkari.
• Jessica Pegula rallied past Jelena Ostapenko.

Kartal Believes She Can Beat Anyone

Despite her injury concerns, Kartal remains confident about her chances.

“On these courts I feel I can beat anyone on any given day.”

If she can maintain her form — and recover physically — the British star could continue one of the standout runs of the tournament.