NOTTINGHAM — Two-time defending champion Katie Boulter saw her Nottingham Open title defense come to an abrupt end as she fell to American qualifier McCartney Kessler in a dramatic quarter-final clash. The British No. 1, who had lifted the trophy in 2022 and 2023, was unable to overcome the world No. 146 in a tense three-set battle, losing 6-4, 5-7, 6-7(4).
Boulter, who entered the tournament as the top seed, struggled to find her rhythm against the aggressive baseline play of Kessler. The 27-year-old had been in strong form this season, including a run to the San Diego Open final earlier this year, but was unable to replicate that dominance on Nottingham’s grass courts. "It’s always tough losing, especially here where I’ve had so much success," Boulter admitted in her post-match press conference.
A Rollercoaster Battle
The match was a seesaw affair, with both players trading breaks in the opening set before Kessler edged ahead to take it 6-4. Boulter responded strongly in the second, breaking early and holding her nerve to level the match. However, the decider proved to be a grueling contest, with neither player able to secure a decisive break. The tiebreak ultimately went Kessler’s way, sealing the biggest win of her career.
Key moments that swung the match:
- Kessler’s relentless return game, winning 45% of points on Boulter’s first serve
- Boulter’s uncharacteristic 12 double faults, including two in the final-set tiebreak
- Kessler’s clutch play under pressure, saving 8 of 11 break points faced
Kessler’s Breakthrough Moment
For Kessler, the victory marked a career-defining moment. The 24-year-old, who had to qualify just to enter the main draw, had never previously reached a WTA quarter-final. "I’ve worked so hard for this, and to beat a player of Katie’s caliber on grass is unbelievable," Kessler said in her on-court interview. "I just tried to stay aggressive and trust my game."
The American’s performance was particularly impressive given Boulter’s pedigree on grass. The Brit had won 10 consecutive matches in Nottingham before this defeat and was widely considered one of the favorites heading into Wimbledon next month. Kessler, meanwhile, will now face either Emma Raducanu or Fran Jones in the semi-finals, continuing her dream run.
Boulter’s Disappointment and Future Plans
Boulter, who had been aiming to become the first player since Ashleigh Barty (2019-2021 Miami Open) to win three consecutive editions of a WTA event, was visibly frustrated with her performance. "I didn’t execute when it mattered," she admitted. "Credit to McCartney—she played the big points better."
Despite the setback, Boulter remains optimistic about her grass-court season. She is scheduled to compete in Birmingham next week before heading to Eastbourne as part of her Wimbledon preparations. "I’ll take the positives and keep working," she said. "There’s still a lot of tennis to be played."
What’s Next for Kessler?
Kessler’s victory is set to propel her into the WTA’s top 120 for the first time, a significant milestone for the former University of Florida standout. Her aggressive style, particularly her powerful forehand and net play, has proven effective on grass, raising expectations for her Wimbledon qualifying campaign later this month.
The American’s coach, former ATP player Jesse Levine, praised her mental resilience: "She’s always had the game, but today she showed she belongs at this level. This is just the beginning."
Conclusion
Boulter’s exit marks the end of an era in Nottingham, where she had become a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Kessler’s breakthrough adds an exciting new storyline to the grass-court season. With Wimbledon just weeks away, both players will look to build on their performances—Boulter aiming to rediscover her form, and Kessler seeking to cement her place among the WTA’s rising stars.
As the tournament moves into the semi-finals, all eyes will be on whether Kessler can continue her fairytale run or if another contender will emerge victorious on Nottingham’s iconic grass courts.