Sara Bejlek delivered a masterclass in efficiency at the Abu Dhabi Open, needing just 58 minutes to rout Sonay Kartal 6-0, 6-2. The Czech qualifier controlled the tempo from the outset, overwhelming the 61st-ranked Briton to secure a commanding Quarterfinal victory on the hard courts.
This result extends Bejlek’s remarkable surge in the UAE, marking her fifth consecutive win of the week. Having already upset World No. 24 Jelena Ostapenko and No. 55 Ashlyn Krueger in previous rounds, the World No. 101 is displaying consistency that far exceeds her current ranking.
For Kartal, the defeat halts a promising trajectory that saw her win four straight matches in Abu Dhabi, including victories over Cristina Bucsa and Renata Zarazua. While the Briton showed resilience reaching the quarterfinals in Brisbane earlier this season, she could not neutralize Bejlek’s aggression today.
Bejlek’s seamless transition to hard courts is notable following a prolific clay-court season in late 2025, where she claimed multiple titles. By dismantling a higher-ranked opponent with such ease, the Czech rising star signals her readiness to compete deep into the weekend at WTA 500 level.
