Sussex tennis star Sonay Kartal makes history during stunning return to action after six-month injury nightmare

The 24-year-old, who missed six months of action and three grand slam events with a back injury, has reached her first WTA 1000 semi-final. She defeated world No.6 Elina Svitolina 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the semi-final.

It is a remarkable achievement for Kartal, who is competing in just her third tournament since returning from a six-month injury lay-off.

According to statistics shared by TNT Sports, citing Opta Ace, the world No.170 became the lowest-ranked player in the history of the Wuhan Open to reach the quarter-finals.

She has since gone one better, becoming only the second British woman to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final since the format was introduced, following in the footsteps of Johanna Konta.

Her victory over fifth seed Svitolina, which took one hour and 59 minutes, was also the second top-10 win of her career, following her success against Mirra Andreeva at last year's China Open.

Speaking after her latest triumph, Kartal said: “I think going into that match, despite winning the first set pretty comfortably, I know what a great fighter she is. I knew that until the very last point was played I was never safe.

“I’m super proud of the determination I showed in that match, and I just think it was solid composure from me throughout.”

Reflecting on her historic run, she added: “I’m breaking new ground this week, I’ve never reached the semis of a 1000. I absolutely love playing here and playing on these courts. The atmosphere for both of us was absolutely amazing so a bit thank you to you guys in the crowd.”

Kartal's success comes just months after she revealed the extent of the back injury that forced her to miss Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.

In June, she described the setback as the toughest challenge of her career, explaining that stress fractures had prevented her from returning to the court without limitations.

Her return to competitive tennis has been impressive, particularly this week in Wuhan, where she has defeated four opponents, including three seeded players.

She began with a straight-sets victory over Anhelina Kalinina before overcoming Belinda Bencic and two-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini to set up her quarter-final against Svitolina.

Kartal dominated the opening set against the Ukrainian, dropping just five points on serve and not facing a single break point.

Svitolina responded strongly in the second set, breaking twice to level the match and force a decider.

However, Kartal held her nerve in a tense final set, securing the decisive break at 5-4 when Svitolina sent a shot long.

The result also secured Kartal's place in only her second WTA Tour-level semi-final.

She will now face former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko for a place in her first WTA 1000 final.

The Latvian has also enjoyed an impressive tournament, defeating second seed Jessica Pegula and 11th seed Diana Shnaider.

The pair have met twice previously, both times on grass, with their head-to-head record level at one victory apiece.

Kartal's semi-final on Saturday (October 17) will be broadcast on Sky Sports Tennis and NOW TV.