Celebrity Fan Web – British hopeful Sonay Kartal saw her Queen’s Club journey end in the last 16 after a commanding defeat by Amanda Anisimova. The American, seeded eighth, took control of the match early, overpowering Kartal 6-1, 6-3 in just 65 minutes. Kartal had been riding high after her biggest career win over world number 16 Daria Kasatkina. However, facing a third top-20 opponent in a week proved too great a challenge. Anisimova’s powerful groundstrokes and precise placement kept Kartal on the defensive throughout. Despite support from the home crowd, Kartal couldn’t sustain momentum and fell short of reaching her first quarter-final on home soil. Anisimova will now face compatriot Emma Navarro in the quarter-finals after Navarro’s comeback win earlier in the day.
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Kartal Reflects on Progress Despite Queen’s Club Exit
While disappointed, Kartal chose to focus on the positives after her early exit. Just a year ago, she ranked outside the world’s top 250. Now, she’s inside the top 50 and competing regularly in top-tier events. Her progress includes strong showings at Indian Wells and Wimbledon, and a maiden Tour title in Monastir. Against Anisimova, she broke serve early in the second set but couldn’t hold off the American’s immediate response. Anisimova’s aggressive returns and slicing forehands made it difficult for Kartal to dictate play. Despite the loss, Kartal said her opening-round victory was one of her best performances to date. She now shifts focus to Nottingham and Eastbourne before Wimbledon kicks off at the end of June.
British Tennis Sees Momentum Ahead of Wimbledon
Kartal’s success, alongside strong performances from Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter, highlights a positive moment for British women’s tennis. All three players are now ranked inside the top 50 and drawing attention heading into Wimbledon. The mood among them appears collaborative, with Kartal noting that the group thrives off mutual encouragement. She praised the unity and positive energy in the camp, saying it helps push each player to perform better. Kartal emphasized that this team spirit bodes well for the challenges ahead, especially at a time when the domestic crowd is engaged and excited by the performances on grass courts.
Raducanu and Boulter’s Doubles Run Ends at Queen’s
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter’s short but crowd-pleasing doubles campaign ended in the quarter-finals. The pair lost 6-2, 7-5 to top seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe, both seasoned doubles champions. Despite a brief comeback in the second set, Raducanu and Boulter couldn’t convert key break points. The Queen’s Club event marked Raducanu’s first doubles experience since turning pro. She credited Boulter with helping her adjust and expressed interest in partnering again in the future. The duo had become fan favorites during the tournament’s historic return to hosting women’s matches after more than 50 years.
Focus Turns to Singles as Rankings Race Heats Up
With their doubles run over, Raducanu and Boulter now turn their attention back to singles play. Their performances this week could impact who holds the British number one spot. Boulter, the current top-ranked Briton, plays fifth seed Diana Shnaider on Thursday. Raducanu will face Rebecca Sramkova, following Heather Watson’s match against Elena Rybakina. If Raducanu matches Boulter’s results, she could reclaim the top spot she lost in 2023. As Wimbledon approaches, both players aim to build momentum and make deep runs on home soil.