McCartney Kessler is ranked 42nd in the world McCartney Kessler claimed her first grass-court WTA Tour title with a 6-4 7-5 win over Dayana Yastremska in a rain-affected Nottingham Open final. The American, 25, was on the cusp of taking the first set - leading 5-4 with a break - when the covers were pulled across the court. Once play resumed after a lengthy delay, Kessler picked up from where she left off as she wrapped up the opening set before getting a break in the seventh game of the second that looked to have her on course to take the match. But Ukraine's Yastremska, seeking her first WTA title since 2019, battled back, saving five match points before then breaking Kessler's serve to level matters in the second set. However, Kessler kept her cool to immediately regain the advantage, breaking Yastremska once more before serving to seal the title. It was an impressive achievement by Kessler, especially as she had only recorded her first career grass-court win the week before at Queen's.
American Kessler wins Nottingham Open
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"McCartney Kessler Wins First Grass-Court Title at Nottingham Open"
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TruthLens AI Summary
McCartney Kessler, an American tennis player ranked 42nd in the world, achieved a significant milestone by winning her first grass-court WTA Tour title at the Nottingham Open. The final against Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska was notably affected by rain, leading to interruptions that challenged both players' momentum. Kessler initially took a commanding lead in the first set, reaching 5-4 with a break advantage before the match was paused due to weather conditions. Once play resumed, she quickly capitalized on her position, securing the first set with a score of 6-4. In the second set, Kessler appeared to be in control, breaking Yastremska's serve early on. However, Yastremska displayed resilience by battling back, saving five match points and eventually breaking Kessler's serve to level the score at 5-5, showcasing her determination to win her first WTA title since 2019.
Despite the pressure, Kessler maintained her composure throughout the match. After Yastremska's comeback, Kessler responded effectively by breaking her opponent's serve once again, regaining the lead and ultimately serving out the match to claim victory with a final score of 7-5. This win marks a significant achievement for Kessler, especially considering that just a week prior, she had recorded her first career grass-court win at the Queen's tournament. This triumph at the Nottingham Open not only adds a prestigious title to Kessler's career but also highlights her growth and potential in the competitive landscape of women's tennis, particularly on grass courts, which have historically posed a challenge for many players.
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