The British number three won only one of the first 10 games but mounted a comeback and was close to forcing a deciding set before losing out 6-1 7-6 (5).

“I’m obviously disappointed with the result, pretty disappointed with the performance as well,” said Kartal, who missed out on a second-round date with defending champion Sabalenka.

“I was definitely far from what I expected myself to play and my expectations. But credit to her, she came out guns blazing in that first set. I wasn’t even getting a touch on a lot of her forehands.”

Kartal was the only British player in action on the opening day, with Jack Draper, Jacob Fearnley and Jodie Burrage all due to begin their campaigns on Monday.