Sonay Kartal shocks Navarro at Indian Wells as Draper starts title defence
sonay kartal saved a match point and edged Emma Navarro 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2) to reach the third round at Indian Wells, fighting past a back niggle and late resistance. The 24-year-old British No 2 produced the decisive break and dominated the tiebreak after Navarro twice served for the match. Jack Draper also progressed after coming from a set down in his match in the same session.
Match report: a swingy three-setter
Kartal opened sharply, taking the first set comfortably before a medical timeout for what she described as a twitch in her back left her with reduced power in the second. Emma Navarro, the No 20 seed and former top-10 player, forced a decider after winning the second set and twice served for victory in the third set.
Facing elimination, Kartal broke back each time Navarro threatened to close out the match, saved a match point and then took control in the breaker, dropping only two points in the tiebreak to seal a 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2) victory. Kartal had earlier beaten Lanlana Tararudee in straight sets in round one and will next play American Madison Keys in round three.
Sonay Kartal: Immediate reactions
“I am just super proud of how I fought through that, ” said Sonay Kartal, British No 2 and world No 54 (player), reflecting on overcoming the injury scare and match pressure. “It would have been easy to throw in the towel, but it is matches like that which make you super proud of yourself. “
Kartal explained the physical issue in brief: she felt she “landed a bit funny on serve” and experienced a twinge in her back that cost power and required a trainer visit. She added she would rest and do everything possible to be ready for the next match.
Jack Draper, the British men’s No 1 and defending champion in the men’s event, said of his comeback win over Roberto Bautista Agut: “It felt amazing. I have really felt good here. It is good to be back somewhere I have great memories. ” Draper rallied after dropping the first set to win in three.
Quick context
Defending women’s champion Mirra Andreeva and established names Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina also advanced in the event, with Andreeva winning 6-0, 6-0 in her opener and Swiatek and Rybakina moving through in their respective matches. The women’s draw has produced several tight battles under challenging conditions.
What’s next
Kartal will prepare to face Madison Keys in the last 32, with recovery and service stability the immediate priorities after the back issue and gruelling three-set match. The Briton said she will “do everything” to be ready and expects to rely on her calm under pressure as the tournament progresses. Observers will watch how sonay kartal manages the short turnaround and whether the physical concern settles before her next appearance.
