Boulter's Nottingham Hat-Trick Bid Ends After Kessler Defeat

Katie Boulter's attempt to secure a third consecutive Nottingham Open title ended with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 quarter-final loss to American McCartney Kessler at the WTA 250 event. Despite an early service break in the deciding set, Boulter, who had been Britain's number one until recently overtaken by Emma Raducanu, could not maintain her lead, ending her 12-match winning streak on home soil. Kessler, who recently earned her first main draw grass-court win at Queen's, advanced to the semifinals where she will face either Rebecca Sramkova or Linda Noskova. The other semifinal features Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska, who defeated Leylah Fernandez, and Poland's Magda Linette, who beat Clara Tauson to reach her first grass-court semifinal. Both players expressed determination to capitalize on this opportunity, with Kessler aiming for her first grass title and Yastremska and Linette making strong showings. The tournament highlights the rising competition on grass as players vie for the WTA 250 crown.