Sonay Kartal’s dream run at Indian Wells continued as the British lucky loser beat Polina Kudermetova to reach the fourth round.
Kartal had checked out of her accommodation after losing in the final round of qualifying – but the world number 83 earned a spot in the main draw after the withdrawal of Sloane Stephens.
The British number three moved to a hotel, external, claimed the biggest win of her career in round three and then beat Russia’s Kudermetova 7-5 6-3 to reach the fourth round of a WTA 1,000 event for the first time.
“I booked an apartment to see me through qualifying so I had to find somewhere else to stay last minute,” said Kartal.
“I was homeless for about 12 hours. But it was a good problem to have.”
Kartal’s reward is a last-16 meeting with world number one Aryna Sabalenka after the three-time major champion won 6-1 6-2 against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti.
Regardless of that result, 23-year-old Kartal will move to a career-high in the rankings at the end of the hard-court tournament.
A higher ranking will help her secure direct entry to the big tournaments outside of the four Grand Slams.
