Sonay Kartal's spell as British No. 1 proved short, as Katie Boulter took the top spot back within about a week after a run at the Japan Open. A Times profile, drawing on coaches who have known her since age six, traces her rise as a quiet but dangerous competitor.
Boulter regained the British No. 1 ranking from Kartal only a week after Kartal had claimed it.
Boulter called her Japan Open opportunity a "lucky" break, which helped her move back ahead.
Kartal's longtime coaches describe her as a "silent killer," crediting steady growth since childhood.
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