Sonay Kartal has officially become the British number one in tennis, marking a significant turnaround in her professional career. Only six months ago, the athlete was dealing with a debilitating back injury that caused her such severe pain she struggled with basic daily tasks, including brushing her teeth.

Following a period of rehabilitation, Kartal returned to the professional circuit and participated in three events. Her performance during this brief comeback period was sufficient to propel her to the top of the British rankings. The rapid nature of her recovery and subsequent success highlights a notable shift in her competitive standing within a very short timeframe. While the physical toll of her injury was significant, Kartal has managed to regain her form quickly enough to secure the top national ranking, a milestone that underscores both her physical recovery and her competitive momentum.