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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jonathan Veal

Katie Boulter’s bid for Nottingham treble ended by American McCartney Kessler

Katie Boulter’s reign as Nottingham champion is over (Mike Egerton/PA) - (PA Wire)

Katie Boulter’s reign as the queen of Nottingham is over after she lost in the quarter-finals to McCartney Kessler.

Boulter was gunning for a third successive Nottingham Open crown, having won in 2023 and 2024, but came unstuck against the world number 42 with victory in sight.

The British number two was 4-3 up with a break of serve in the final set, but lost the last three games, including her serve twice, to go down 6-3 3-6 6-4.

That saw her 12-match winning run on her home court come to an end.

American Kessler said: “It was a really tight match, it was close. I wanted to stay within myself and keep playing my game and luckily I came out on top.

“We are both aggressive players, so there was a lot of shot-making.

“I am trying to get as many titles as I can and put myself in the position to win titles. I am looking forward to the rest of the weekend.”

Katie Boulter acknowledges the Nottingham crowd after her defeat to McCartney Kessler (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

She will play Rebecca Sramkova in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Dayana Yastremska will play Magda Linette in the other semi-final.

Ukrainian Yastremska beat former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez 6-3 7-6 (6) in the quarter-final.

Linette downed top seed Clara Tauson 6-2 7-5 to book her spot in the last four.

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