Sonay Kartal: British number four reaches first WTA semi-final at Jasmin Open

Britain’s Sonay Kartal is on the verge of setting a new personal best after reaching the WTA Tour semi-finals for the first time.

The 22-year-old defeated Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 at the Jasmin Open in Tunisia and is now set to face Germany’s Eva Lys in the last four.

Kartal had a weak start in the first set, but then won via a tiebreak and took control of the match.

That meant she could beat an opponent who had defeated her a few weeks ago in the final round of US Open qualifying.

Kartal, the British number four from Brighton, reached the third round of Wimbledon earlier this year and her performance in Monastir moves her into the world’s top 130.