Sonay Kartal, the rising tennis talent from Hove in East Sussex, is setting her sights high with a personal objective to crack the world’s top 30 by the close of 2024. As she steps onto the grass courts of Eastbourne for the first time in the singles draw, facing third seed Elena Ostapenko, Kartal brings momentum from a successful doubles opener alongside compatriot Jodie Burrage. Her confidence has grown significantly since last season, fueled by consistent participation in higher-tier tournaments. In addition to her athletic development, Kartal looks forward to reconnecting on court with fellow Brit and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, reigniting a rivalry that dates back to their early junior days.

Kartal's journey into professional tennis has seen steady progression, particularly over the past year. She credits her recent successes to increased exposure to elite-level competition, which has helped normalize high-pressure environments. Having already surpassed her initial target of entering the top 50, she now raises the bar with aspirations of reaching the top 30 before the year ends. This renewed ambition reflects not only her improved technical skills but also her enhanced mental resilience and off-court preparation, both of which have played a pivotal role in her evolution as a player.

Her path at the Eastbourne tournament begins in the doubles draw, where she and Jodie Burrage secured a strong victory over American duo Hailey Baptiste and Peyton Stearns. The win serves as a confidence booster ahead of her singles debut against Latvian power-hitter Elena Ostapenko, a formidable opponent known for her aggressive style. Facing such a high-caliber player early in the competition offers Kartal a valuable opportunity to test her abilities under pressure and gain critical experience on one of the sport’s prestigious pre-Wimbledon events.

The anticipated potential matchup with Emma Raducanu adds another layer of excitement to Kartal’s tournament run. The two British stars once competed fiercely in youth LTA events, often meeting in championship finals during their formative years. Though their careers took divergent paths through adolescence, they now find themselves reunited on the professional stage, each representing a new generation of British women's tennis. Kartal expressed enthusiasm about reviving their childhood rivalry, reminiscing fondly about their early matches and even hinting at a possible recreation of those youthful encounters for fans to enjoy.

As the Eastbourne tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on how Kartal navigates this crucial phase of her career. With clear goals set and a growing sense of self-belief, she appears poised for a breakthrough season. Whether or not she reaches the top 30 by year’s end, her journey so far underscores a trajectory on the rise—one marked by determination, growth, and a deep-rooted passion for the game.