McCartney Kessler Vs Dayana Yastremska, Nottingham Open: American Wins Rain-Affected Final

McCartney Kessler clinched her first grass-court title after defeating Dayana Yastremska in straight sets in a rain-affected Nottingham Open final.

Kessler, who has now won two tournaments in 2025, needed one hour and 34 minutes to secure a 6-4 7-5 victory over Yastremska on Sunday. 

The American was on the cusp of taking the first set with a 5-4 lead, but rain in Nottingham saw the covers pulled across the court. 

Once play resumed after a lengthy delay, Kessler picked up where she left off and wrapped up the opening set before continuing her momentum into the second. 

Kessler appeared on course for a routine victory after breaking Yastremska and going within one game of the title, but her opponent roared back to keep herself in contention. 

The Ukrainian saved five break points in a thrilling ninth game, yet Kessler kept her cool and regained her advantage before sealing the win on serve. 

"I'm super excited to have another title," Kessler said. "I've gotten to another final, another great week of tennis for me.

"I want to start by congratulating Dayana on a good week as well. She's a really tough competitor. We've had three really competitive matches, so congrats on a good week."

Data Debrief: Kessler completes grass-court mission

Kessler arrived in Nottingham having picked up just one WTA main-draw match win on grass, which came at Queen's last week against Francesca Jones. 

But she capped off a fine week on the surface with a brilliant display in the final, winning 17 of 25 service points compared to Yastremska's 19 from her 35 first serves. 

The 25-year-old also beat some notable names en route to the showpiece match, defeating number one seed and 2022 champion Beatriz Haddad Maia before ending two-time defending champion Katie Boulter's 12-match winning run at the event.