American Kessler Wins First Grass Title at Nottingham Open

American tennis player McCartney Kessler claimed her third career WTA singles title and first on grass by defeating Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 7-5 at the rain-interrupted Nottingham Open final. The 25-year-old, ranked world No. 42 and projected to rise to No. 31, overcame two rain delays and a strong challenge from Yastremska, who was contesting her second final of the year but seeking her first title since 2019. Kessler praised Yastremska's competitiveness and credited her team and the supportive crowd for helping her through the match. This victory marks Kessler's successful transition to grass courts, having won her first main draw match on the surface only recently, and positions her well for Wimbledon. Yastremska acknowledged the difficulties she faced amid the conflict in Ukraine but remains focused on improvement. Kessler's rise this year has been rapid, starting ranked outside the Top 200 and winning multiple titles, now entering the Top 40 and possibly seeded at Wimbledon.