Kartal had a superb end to 2024, winning her first WTA Tour title and breaking into the world’s top 100.

It came after a difficult start to the year where the Englishwoman was “in and out of hospital” after a health scare.

After three months out, Kartal returned to the tour and steadily worked her way up the rankings before triumphing in Monastir in October.

She came back from an early break down against Kudermetova, winning three games in a row to take the first set, before taking advantage as her opponent’s shot-making grew ragged.

“It wasn’t as comfortable as it maybe looked,” said Kartal.

“My goal was to hold my serve and make her play every ball and keep the scoreboard pressure high.

“I kept my cool and upped my level when it mattered the most.”

She will face a tough task against Belarusian top seed Sabalenka, who described herself as “hungrier on court” after losing in the Australian Open final in January.

Madison Keys, who beat Sabalenka in Melbourne to win her first major title, also progressed on Monday, beating Elise Mertens 6-2 6-7 (8-10) 6-4.

American Keys has yet to lose a match this year and will face either compatriot Emma Navarro or Donna Vekic for a place in the quarter-finals.