Sonay Kartal showed her class as she paid tribute to Maja Chwalinska and thanked all of the behind-the-scenes staff at the Wuhan Open after losing Sunday’s final. The Brit arrived here as the world No. 170, playing just her third tournament back from a six-month injury layoff.
She stormed into the championship match and led the 16th seed by a set and a break before Chwalinska stepped it up to win 2-6 6-4 6-2. It was a bruising loss for the 24-year-old, but she was full of praise for the newly-crowned champion during her first runner-up speech.
Kartal's first words to the champion
Addressing the crowd after suffering her first defeat in a WTA Tour final, Kartal immediately turned her attention to her opponent. “Firstly, I want to start with Maja. That was one heck of a battle,” she said.
“Congratulations to you and your team. You’ve had an incredible year. I watched you at the French Open – I think everyone did. And yeah, I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and a successful next year.”
Impact of the defeat
The loss marked Kartal's first defeat in a WTA Tour final, ending her run at the tournament despite her strong start. Her performance in Wuhan came as she continues her comeback from a six-month injury layoff.
