Indian Wells, CA – Sonay Kartal continued her impressive run at the BNP Paribas Open, securing a stunning comeback victory over 15th-seeded Madison Keys on Monday. The British No.2 battled back from a set down to defeat the 2025 Australian Open champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, earning her a spot in the fourth round for the second consecutive year. The win marks a significant milestone for Kartal, as she prepares to face world No.3 Elena Rybakina in the next stage of the tournament.
Kartal’s victory wasn’t without its challenges. She admitted after the match that a back issue hampered her performance, requiring focused recovery efforts. “It [the back] was a pretty big hindrance,” Kartal said, adding, “I didn’t really practise yesterday so I gave it as much recovery as I could, so I think now it’s about getting recovered and doing the same exact thing to receive back on the court in the next couple of days.” Despite the discomfort, Kartal demonstrated resilience, adjusting her game to overcome a strong start from Keys.
Kartal Overcomes Early Setback
The opening set saw Keys accept control, reeling off four consecutive games from a 2-2 tie to secure a 6-2 lead. Yet, Kartal responded emphatically in the second set, raising her intensity and improving her serve. She won 71% of points on her first serve in the second set, a significant increase from the 60% she managed in the opener, according to reports. This improvement allowed her to establish a comfortable lead and level the match at one set apiece.
The deciding set proved to be a tense affair, with both players battling for every point. Kartal ultimately prevailed, capitalizing on opportunities and maintaining her composure under pressure. This victory makes Kartal the first British woman to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells on more than one occasion, solidifying her growing presence on the international tennis stage.
Rybakina Awaits in the Fourth Round
Kartal’s next opponent will be a formidable challenge: two-time Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina. Rybakina secured her fourth-round berth with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk. As the LTA reports, this will be the first time Kartal has faced a two-time Grand Slam champion in her career.
While Rybakina hasn’t been at her peak form so far in the tournament, having been broken three times during her match against Kostyuk, she demonstrated her ability to regain momentum and secure the victory. The Stats Zone notes that Rybakina remains the overwhelming favorite to advance.
Other Notable Results from Monday
Kartal’s upset wasn’t the only surprising result on Monday at Indian Wells. Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova, ranked 44th in the world, defeated defending champion and eighth-seeded Mirra Andreeva in a grueling three-set match lasting two hours and 48 minutes, with a final score of 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3. World No.2 Iga Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, also advanced, overcoming Greece’s Maria Sakkari. American fifth seed Jessica Pegula fought back from a set down to defeat Jelena Ostapenko and reach the last 16.
The BNP Paribas Open continues to deliver exciting matchups and unexpected results, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of women’s tennis. Fans can follow Sonay Kartal’s progress and the rest of the tournament live on Flashscore.
Kartal’s focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for her challenging encounter with Rybakina. The match promises to be a compelling test of her skills and resilience as she aims to continue her impressive run at Indian Wells. The tournament is set to continue with further fourth-round matches, offering more opportunities for upsets and thrilling competition.
Share your thoughts on Kartal’s victory and predictions for her match against Rybakina in the comments below!
