Sonay Kartal sends message to Maja Chwalinska immediately after losing to her in the Wuhan Open final

It’s heartbreak for Sonay Kartal, who lost today’s Wuhan Open final despite leading by a set.

In the end, it felt like a step too far for the in-form Brit, whose physicality waned as the match went on.

Despite pouring all she had into the match, once it went to a deciding third set, it felt like an uphill battle that she would not win, no matter how hard she tried.

For the neutral, it was a hugely exciting final, with Maja Chwalinska a deserved champion.

Both spoke highly of one another afterwards, with Sonay Kartal kickstarting proceedings.

Sonay Kartal congratulates Maja Chwalinska after their Wuhan Open final

As is customary, Kartal began with a word for Chwalinska: “Firstly, I’ll start with Maja. That was one heck of a battle.

“Congratulations to you and your team. You’ve had an incredible year. I watched you at the French Open; I think everyone did. And yeah, I wish you all the best for the rest of the season.”

She continued: “Secondly, it’s my first time here, and as a tournament, it’s unbelievable. The stadium that we get to play at, there are so many people that run this event that I’d like to thank. From everyone behind the scenes to the ball kids.

“It’s so tough for us on court, but they’re out here running around too, making our lives a heck of a lot easier, so I’ve absolutely loved my time here. It’s an incredible, incredible venue you have and I can’t wait to be back next year.

“To play in an atmosphere like this, it’s a dream come true. Hopefully I can be in many more of these finals.”

Kartal could not conclude without thanking her team, who helped nurse her back to fitness and spearhead this stunning run to an unlikely Wuhan Open final.

Once she had concluded, Chwalinska then took to the stage and had a message of her own for Kartal in her speech, adding: “First of all, congrats to Sonay for a great week. You’re such an impressive player. I mean, I had a chance to watch a few of your matches, and I was very impressed and yeah, I wish you all the best, really.

“I’m sure there are great things ahead of you.”

Leon Smith reacts after Sonay Kartal loses Wuhan Open final

Speaking live on Sky Sports, Leon Smith remained optimistic in the face of what must be seen as the most crushing loss of Kartal’s career to date.

He insisted: “That’s an incredible week; it really is important to recognise that amongst the disappointment for Kartal.”

Smith then focused on the victor for a while, adding: “Chwalinska beat good players all throughout the week and after being blown away really in the opening set here, she sort of clung on early in the second and started to weave her web.

“It’s a painful one for Sonay Kartal. I’m just gutted for her… It felt like she had the tennis to win this match, to win this tournament, but, you know, just another match back after such a long layoff, maybe some fatigue playing the part and just tactically losing her way a little.

“That’s what Chwalinska does to opponents; she sort of gets under the skin and forces them to miss balls that they wouldn’t normally.

“It was still an unbelievable week for Kartal.”

Kartal highlighted her biggest trait ahead of the final and proved that to be the case with a stellar performance despite losing.