Abu Dhabi is proving to be a fruitful tournament for British tennis players, with both Sonay Kartal and Katie Boulter advancing to the quarter-finals of their respective WTA events. Kartal’s progression in the Abu Dhabi Open and Boulter’s success at the Ostrava Open highlight a strong showing for Team GB on the international stage.
Kartal Advances in Abu Dhabi After Bencic Withdrawal
Sonay Kartal secured her place in the quarter-finals of the Abu Dhabi Open after a straightforward victory over Renata Zarazua. The match unfolded after defending champion Belinda Bencic was forced to withdraw due to illness. Kartal, who navigated two qualifying rounds and a first-round win against Cristina Busca, dispatched Zarazua 6-0, 6-3 in just 57 minutes.
This win marks a significant step for Kartal, currently ranked 61st in the world. She will now face 20-year-old Czech player Sara Bejlek in the quarter-finals, continuing her impressive run in the tournament. Bencic’s absence is notable, particularly given her recent achievement as the first mother to win a WTA singles title since May 2023, a victory secured at last year’s Abu Dhabi Open against Ashlyn Krueger just four months after returning from maternity leave.
Boulter Continues Winning Streak in Ostrava
Meanwhile, Katie Boulter is enjoying a resurgence in form, reaching the quarter-finals of the Ostrava Open with a commanding straight-sets win over Swiss fifth seed Viktorija Golubic. Boulter dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-2, dropping only two games in each set.
This victory is particularly encouraging for Boulter as it represents her first instance of winning back-to-back main-draw singles matches since the Nottingham Open in June. She will now compete against either fourth seed Rebecca Sramkova or Linda Fruhvirtova in the next round.
Team GB’s Recent Form and BJK Cup Ambitions
These successes come at a positive time for British tennis, particularly as the nation looks ahead to the Billie Jean King Cup (BJK Cup). Team GB recently reached the semi-finals of the BJK Cup Finals, defeating Japan in their quarter-final tie on . Sonay Kartal and Katie Boulter both played pivotal roles in that victory, winning their respective singles matches in straight sets.
Despite the absence of British No. 1 Emma Raducanu, who opted to compete in a WTA 500 event in Seoul, Team GB demonstrated its depth and resilience. Raducanu suffered a loss in Korea, but the team’s performance in the BJK Cup highlighted their ability to succeed even without their top-ranked player.
The team captain, Anne Keothavong, expressed a sense of “unfinished business” in the competition, having come close to reaching the final in the previous year, losing a tight semi-final match against Slovakia. They also experienced defeat against Australia at the 2022 BJK Cup Finals, held in Glasgow. Keothavong is determined to lead the team to a championship title, acknowledging the near misses of the past.
Wild Cards and Upcoming Matches
The recent awarding of wild cards to Eala, Tjen and Pliskova for the Abu Dhabi Open demonstrates the tournament’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent alongside established players. This adds another layer of competition to the event, where Kartal continues to make her mark.
The performances of Kartal and Boulter are a testament to the growing strength of British tennis. While Raducanu’s absence is felt, the successes of these players demonstrate the depth within the team and provide a positive outlook for their future endeavors, including the pursuit of the BJK Cup title. The upcoming matches in both Abu Dhabi and Ostrava will be closely watched as these British players continue their campaigns.
The 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, a WTA 500 event, serves as a key indicator of form for players preparing for the larger tournaments throughout the year. The tournament’s outdoor hard courts provide a challenging surface for competitors, and the level of play is consistently high.
