Kartal 'far below expectations' in Melbourne defeat

Sonay Kartal broke into the world's top 100 for the first time at the end of last season

Australian Open 2025

Dates: 12-26 January Venue: Melbourne Park

Coverage: Live radio commentary on Tennis Breakfast from 07:00 GMT on BBC 5 Sports Extra, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app

Britain's Sonay Kartal missed the chance to set up a prospective clash with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka after losing on her Australian Open main-draw debut.

The 23-year-old paid the price for a slow start as she was beaten 6-1 7-6 (7-5) by Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in Melbourne.

Kartal had a rapid rise up the rankings in 2024, moving into the top 100 after an impressive season that saw her claim her first WTA title.

However, she did not have the tools to get on top against 52nd-ranked Bouzas Maneiro.

The 22-year-old Spaniard has considerably greater pedigree, having stunned defending champion Marketa Vondrousova at Wimbledon last year and knocking British number one Katie Boulter out of the US Open.

"I'm disappointed with the result and my performance as well," said Kartal.

"The first set was definitely far from what I expected of myself.

"But credit to her, she came out guns blazing in that first set."

Kartal and Bouzas Maneiro were made to wait several hours to get on to court after thunderstorms held up play.

Even when they arrived at 18:15 local time, there was still a delay as the chair umpire and staff dried the court with towels.

Kartal sees herself as a "disrupter" but she was unable to unsettle Bouzas Maneiro in the early rallies.

Bouzas Maneiro managed to get on top in the baseline duels, knocking powerful winners off both flanks as she won 29 of the 44 points in a one-sided first set.

When Kartal lost serve and went 3-0 down in the second set, it looked as though she was heading towards a rapid defeat.

But Bouzas Maneiro began to look nervous, suddenly making more unforced errors as Kartal clawed back the break.

A chance for the Spaniard to clinch the match came at 5-4 30-40, but a tight forehand volley wide indicated the pressure she was feeling.

However, Kartal did not fully capitalise on her opponent's tension.

The Briton moved 4-2 ahead in the tie-break, but was pushed back on her weaker backhand as Bouzas Maneiro wiped out the mini-break and turned the match back in her favour.

Bouzas Maneiro will now go on to face Sabalenka after the top seed started her bid for a third consecutive title with a straight-set win over American Sloane Stephens.