Kartal had an excellent finish to 2024, successful her first WTA Tour title and breaking into the world’s prime 100.
It got here after a troublesome begin to the yr the place the 23-year-old was “out and in of hospital” after a well being scare.
After three months out, Kartal returned to the tour and steadily labored her approach up the rankings earlier than triumphing in Monastir in October.
She got here again from an early break down towards Kudermetova, successful three video games in a row to take the primary set, earlier than taking benefit as her opponent’s shot-making grew ragged.
She is going to face a tricky job towards Belarusian prime seed Sabalenka, who described herself as “hungrier on courtroom” after dropping within the Australian Open remaining in January.
Madison Keys, who beat Sabalenka in Melbourne to win her first main title, additionally progressed on Monday, beating Elise Mertens 6-2 6-7 (8-10) 6-4.
American Keys has but to lose a match this yr and can face both compatriot Emma Navarro or Donna Vekic for a spot within the quarter-finals.
