Sonay Kartal Stuns Kasatkina as Women’s Tennis Returns to Queen’s

Kartal Triumphs Over Kasatkina as Women’s Tennis Returns to Queen’s Club

Britain’s Sonay Kartal produced the biggest win of her career by defeating world number 16 Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, marking a stunning return for women’s tennis at Queen’s Club after a 51-year absence.

The 23-year-old’s victory comes at the newly launched WTA 500 event at the iconic London venue, where women last competed in 1973. Kartal, now ranked inside the top 50, looked composed on grass and delighted the partisan home crowd with a brilliant performance.

“The nerves hit me a little, but to be able to play on this court with you guys cheering me on – it was a super special moment,” said Kartal after her win.

British Players Shine on Historic Day

Elsewhere, Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu impressed in their debut as a doubles team, cruising past China’s Jiang Zinyu and Wu Fang-hsien 6-4, 6-2 on Court One, which had a festival-like atmosphere thanks to long queues and strong home support.

The duo’s chemistry on court was evident, exchanging smiles and high-fives. Boulter joked post-match:

“Scrap what she said – we’re going for the Wimbledon title!”

Raducanu, more reserved, said:

“It kind of happened spontaneously, but it went pretty well. We’re just going to keep trying our best this week.”

All Eyes on the Next Round

Jodie Burrage will aim to set up a second-round clash with Kartal when she takes on Amanda Anisimova later today. If Burrage and Kartal advance, they could face top seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe in a potential quarter-final thriller.

Andy Murray Honoured at Queen’s

Before the matches began, fans were treated to a special moment as Centre Court was renamed the Andy Murray Arena in tribute to the five-time champion. Murray took part in the ceremonial coin toss and hit a few balls, later joking about his “diabolical” tennis.

What’s Next?

The women’s singles field features big names including Zheng Qinwen, Madison Keys, and Elena Rybakina. British hopes will rest on Raducanu, who faces Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, and Boulter, who meets Ajla Tomljanovic in Tuesday’s opening round.