British tennis player Sonay Kartal has withdrawn from next week’s Hong Kong Open due to illness, a development that could affect her position as the country’s top female player by the end of the year. Kartal, who turned 25 on Monday, currently holds the world No. 52 ranking, trailing fellow Briton Katie Boulter by four places.

Kartal’s withdrawal follows a recent setback caused by a viral infection contracted during her impressive run to the final of the Wuhan Open, where she was defeated by Poland’s Maja Chwalinska. The illness has forced her to prioritize recovery over competition in the immediate term.

Her management team has indicated that Kartal intends to focus on recuperation and may participate in selected WTA 125 tournaments later this season, potentially in South America or France. These events could provide valuable ranking points as she seeks to surpass the 30-year-old Boulter and claim the top British spot on the women’s tour by year-end.

Kartal’s decision to rest comes after a breakthrough period that has seen her climb steadily in the WTA rankings, and her return to form will be closely watched by British tennis followers. Meanwhile, Boulter currently maintains the higher ranking and remains a key figure in the national women’s circuit.