Sonay Kartal’s dream week at the Wuhan Open will go on for another day after beating Elina Svitolina 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals.

Having already knocked out Belinda Bencic and former Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini, Kartal was enjoying an impressive return to the WTA Tour after an injury-hit year.

But now free from pain and able to serve with a full motion, the Briton played inspired tennis and withstood a fightback from the world No 6 to win in three sets.

“Going into the match despite winning the first set, I think pretty comfortably, I know what a great fighter she is,” Kartal said. “So I knew until the very last point played I was never safe.

“I’m super proud of the determination I managed to show in that match and it was solid composure from me throughout. I’m breaking new ground for me this week. I have never reached the semis of a 1,000 before. I absolutely love playing here, and on this court, the atmosphere was amazing. ”

Kartal, who is through to her first semi-final at 1000 level, has won five of her last seven matches against top 20 players.

More to follow...