Sonay Kartal's stunning comeback run ends one match short of the Wuhan title after Maja Chwalinska rallies from a set down.
Sonay Kartal's dream week in Wuhan ended one step from the trophy. Maja Chwalinska came from a set down to win the final in three sets, 2-6 6-4 6-2.
Kartal began the match like a player with nothing to lose. She took the opening set 6-2 and looked set to finish a storybook run. Chwalinska steadied herself in the second set, broke through to level the match, and then took control in the decider.
The defeat should not overshadow what Kartal achieved. The Briton was playing only her third tournament since coming back from a six-month layoff with a back injury. Reaching a final at that level after so long away is a statement, and it suggests her game and body are both holding up.
For Chwalinska, the title is a major boost. She showed real resilience by shaking off a heavy first-set loss and turning the final around with sharper, more aggressive tennis. Kartal will take plenty of confidence from her week, and the tour will be watching what she does next.
