British tennis star Sonay Kartal delivered a brutally honest verdict on her own game after suffering a swift exit from the Australian Open on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
A Disappointing Defeat in Melbourne
The British number two was knocked out in the first round at Melbourne Park, falling to the 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets. The final scoreline read 7-6 (3), 6-1, with the match lasting just over an hour and a half. Kartal's departure continues her search for a maiden victory at the season's opening Grand Slam tournament.
'My Worst Performance in Years'
In a candid post-match assessment, Kartal did not hold back in her criticism. She stated that her performance represented her worst level in years, admitting that her fundamental game was conspicuously absent. "My base level just wasn't there today," she conceded, highlighting a significant dip in her usual standards.
The 24-year-old pinpointed specific tactical failures that contributed to the loss. She acknowledged relying too heavily on her opponent making mistakes, rather than taking control of the rallies herself. Furthermore, Kartal identified a poorly played tie-break in the first set as a crucial turning point from which she could not recover.
Search for Momentum Continues
This early exit in Australia compounds a frustrating start to the 2026 season for the British hopeful. Earlier this month, she suffered a narrow defeat to former world number three Elina Svitolina in Auckland, a match that also slipped from her grasp. The back-to-back losses mean Kartal is still seeking her first win of the new campaign, a fact that will undoubtedly add to her disappointment.
The result leaves a question mark over Kartal's immediate form as the tour moves forward. Her frank admission of a sub-par performance suggests a player keenly aware of the work required to compete at the highest level of the sport. All eyes will now be on how she responds in the upcoming tournaments.
