Sonay Kartal couldn't close out her first WTA 1000 final on Sunday. Maja Chwalińska beat her 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 at the Wuhan Open, denying the British player a breakthrough title at the sport's highest tier.
Kartal had the second set within reach, taking it to force a decider. But Chwalińska pulled away in the third, leaving Kartal without the signature win she's been chasing. The loss stings because these opportunities don't arrive often, especially for players outside the top tier trying to break through.
For Chwalińska, the victory marks a massive statement. She outplayed Kartal when it mattered most and claims the Wuhan title.