Sonay Kartal, Britain’s rising tennis star, will begin her WTA Abu Dhabi 2026 campaign on Monday, facing Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the first round of the main draw.
The match takes place in Abu Dhabi, following Kartal’s early exit at the Australian Open in Melbourne, and it matters because it marks her first chance this season to reset momentum on the WTA Tour after qualifying through a tough entry route.
The match will affect Kartal’s early-season ranking push, while also testing her against a higher-ranked opponent with more experience at this tournament.
When and where will Sonay Kartal vs Cristina Bucsa be played?
The match is scheduled for ADCB Court 1 at 11:00am local time, which is 7:00am GMT for UK viewers.
UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Tennis or NOW TV, both available via subscription.
Why is this match important for Sonay Kartal?
This fixture represents a key moment in Sonay Kartal’s 2026 season.
The 23-year-old Briton reached the quarter-finals in Auckland earlier this year, showing solid form before losing to Anna Kalinskaya at the Australian Open.
Into the last 16 at the Abu Dhabi Open 💪
Sonay Kartal gets past Cristina Bucșa 6-3, 7-6 to advance! #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | @WTA pic.twitter.com/WEvGly63Qs
— LTA (@the_LTA) February 2, 2026
Abu Dhabi offers Kartal a chance to build confidence, earn ranking points, and improve on her first-round exit here in 2025.
Kartal earned her place in the main draw by successfully navigating the qualification rounds, underlining her growing consistency on hard courts.
How do Sonay Kartal and Cristina Bucsa compare right now?
Both players rely on strong baseline play, but recent data suggests Kartal holds an edge in return efficiency and service stability.
Current Rankings (February 2026)
- Sonay Kartal: World No. 66
- Cristina Bucsa: World No. 52
Key Performance Statistics (last 12 months)
| Stat | Sonay Kartal | Cristina Bucsa |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Serve Return Points Won % | 37.3% | 31.3% |
| Return Points Won % | 43.3% | 37.9% |
| Break Point Conversion % | 42.4% | 41.7% |
| Break Points Saved % | 46.7% | 18.2% |
| Overall Service Points Won % | 67.7% | 51.1% |
These numbers show Kartal’s strength under pressure, particularly when defending break points, a key factor on fast, hard courts like Abu Dhabi.
What experience does Cristina Bucsa bring to this match?
Cristina Bucsa reached the quarter-finals in Abu Dhabi in 2024, giving her valuable experience at this venue.
The Spanish player often uses long rallies and depth to frustrate opponents, and her higher ranking reflects steady results across the WTA Tour.
However, this will be the first professional meeting between the two players, meaning neither holds a head-to-head advantage.
How much is at stake at the WTA Abu Dhabi 2026?
The tournament carries a total prize purse of $13.0 million (around £10.3 million), with valuable ranking points available even in the early rounds.
For Kartal, a first-round win would not only deliver prize money but also support her push toward breaking into the top 50, a realistic goal based on her recent form.
Match prediction: Can Sonay Kartal cause an upset?
Despite Bucsa’s higher ranking, Kartal’s recent performances suggest she enters this match with momentum. Her stronger return game and improved service numbers point towards a possible advantage in straight sets if she starts well.
A tight opening set looks likely, but Kartal has the tools to control key moments.
