ABU DHABI (Azat TV) – British number two Sonay Kartal faced a significant setback in the Abu Dhabi Open quarter-finals on Thursday, February 5, 2026, losing 10 consecutive games in a 6-0 6-2 defeat to Czech player Sara Bejlek. Kartal’s unexpected exit from the tournament came after a challenging match where she struggled to find her rhythm against her lower-ranked opponent.
The match, held at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre, saw Kartal quickly fall behind, losing the entire first set in just 22 minutes. She notably failed to hold serve until her sixth service game, highlighting Bejlek’s dominant performance from the outset. Despite a brief resurgence in the second set, where Kartal managed to get on the scoreboard and break Bejlek to reduce the deficit to 4-2, she was immediately broken back, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback.
Kartal’s Challenging Abu Dhabi Open Quarter-Final
Sonay Kartal, currently ranked world number 61, entered the match as the higher-ranked player, 40 places above her opponent Sara Bejlek. However, the ranking difference did not translate into an advantage on the court. Bejlek, a junior Grand Slam doubles champion, showcased a strong and consistent game, capitalising on Kartal’s struggles. The decisive victory was sealed when Bejlek converted her first match point, completing a comprehensive win.
This quarter-final loss marks another challenging outing for Kartal on the WTA Tour, bringing her record in quarter-final matches to three defeats out of four attempts. Her sole victory at this stage came in 2024, en route to claiming her only tour-level title at the Jasmin Open.
Sara Bejlek’s Upset Victory
Sara Bejlek’s performance against Sonay Kartal is a notable upset in the Abu Dhabi Open, propelling the unseeded player into the semi-finals. Her ability to maintain pressure and convert critical points underscored her readiness for the higher stakes of the tournament. Bejlek’s smooth progression through the quarter-finals sets the stage for a compelling semi-final clash.
Looking Ahead in the Abu Dhabi Open
Following her victory over Kartal, Sara Bejlek is now set to face Danish third seed Clara Tauson in the semi-finals. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Friday, promising another exciting chapter in the Abu Dhabi Open as players vie for a spot in the final. The tournament continues to deliver unexpected outcomes, keeping tennis fans engaged.
The outcome underscores the competitive depth within the WTA Tour, where rising talents like Sara Bejlek can overcome higher-ranked opponents, demonstrating that rankings do not always dictate match results.