China Open 2025: Sonay Kartal upset Mirra Andreeva to enter quarters

Sonay Kartal secured the biggest win of her career as she upset world no.5 Mirra Andreeva at the China Open. The British player defeated the teenage sensation 7-5, 2-6, 7-5 in more than two hours, and is now through to her maiden WTA 1000 quarter-finals. Moreover, it was the 23-year-old's first victory against a player ranked in the top 10. 

"She (Andreeva) a top-10 player for a very good reason," said Kartal.

"She made me play my best tennis today, so credit to her, but I'm super happy with the level I managed out there."

Kartal edged the first set , breaking the Russian to love in the final game. But the 18-year-old took command in set two and raced through, dropping just two games. Nevertheless, Kartal, the fourth seed, showed great resilience in the third set.

Kartal showed great resilience

The final set proved to be a neck-and-neck affair. Andreeva saved a break point early on, but the pressure was on the teenager as she had to serve to stay in the match. The Russian held to level the score, but missed a break point opportunity in the next game as Kartal moved ahead. 

Leading 6-5, the Brit lost her first match point but gave herself another opportunity with a brilliant winner. Facing another match point Andreeva sent the ball wide, handing the victory to Kartal. 

"I think the way I carry myself on the court is one of my biggest assets. I think you can look down the other end at me, and you wouldn't really know if I'm winning or losing" Said Kartal. 

Kartal has dropped only one set across four rounds in the tournament so far. The Brit will take on world no. 27 Linda Noskova in the quarter-finals on Thursday.