NOTTINGHAM — Ukrainian tennis star Dayana Yastremska has secured her place in the women's singles final at the Nottingham Open, overcoming both her opponent and suspicions of a grass allergy that threatened to derail her campaign. The 23-year-old, who has been in impressive form this season, will face American McCartney Kessler in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Yastremska's Road to the Final
Yastremska, currently ranked No. 35 in the world, has been a standout performer at Nottingham, showcasing her aggressive baseline game and powerful serve. Her journey to the final included a hard-fought semifinal victory over British wildcard Emma Raducanu, where she battled through a tense three-setter. "It wasn’t easy, but I fought for every point," Yastremska said in her post-match interview.
However, her progress was nearly hampered by an unexpected challenge—a suspected grass allergy. During her quarterfinal match, Yastremska appeared visibly uncomfortable, rubbing her eyes and sneezing frequently. Medical staff were called to assess her condition, but she soldiered on, later downplaying the issue. "I’ve had allergies before, but never like this on grass. It was strange, but I didn’t want it to stop me," she admitted.
Kessler's Surprise Run
On the other side of the draw, McCartney Kessler, a relatively unknown 24-year-old American, has been the tournament’s surprise package. Ranked outside the top 200, Kessler has defeated higher-seeded opponents with her relentless energy and precise shot-making. Her semifinal win over French veteran Alizé Cornet was a masterclass in consistency and mental toughness.
Kessler, who only entered the main draw as a lucky loser, has embraced her underdog status. "I’m just taking it one match at a time and enjoying the experience. Playing in a final is a dream come true," she said with a smile.
Key Moments from the Semifinals
- Yastremska vs. Raducanu: A nail-biting third-set tiebreak saw Yastremska save two match points before clinching victory with a blistering forehand winner.
- Kessler vs. Cornet: The American dominated the second set, breaking Cornet’s serve three times to seal the match in straight sets.
- Grass allergy scare: Yastremska’s allergy symptoms flared up in the second set, but she refused medical timeout, determined to finish the match.
What to Expect in the Final
The final promises to be a clash of styles. Yastremska’s power and aggression will be pitted against Kessler’s defensive resilience and court coverage. Both players are seeking their first WTA grass-court title, adding extra motivation to the contest.
Yastremska, a former world No. 21, is no stranger to big matches, having reached three WTA finals earlier in her career. However, Kessler’s fearless approach and recent form make her a dangerous opponent. "I know she’s playing well, but I’m ready for the challenge," Yastremska stated confidently.
Conclusion
Dayana Yastremska’s resilience in overcoming both her opponents and physical discomfort has been the story of the tournament. Meanwhile, McCartney Kessler’s breakthrough run has captured the imagination of fans. The Nottingham final is set to be a captivating encounter, with both players eager to claim the title and boost their rankings ahead of Wimbledon.
The match will take place on Sunday, with live coverage available on major sports networks. Tennis enthusiasts are in for a treat as these two rising stars battle it out on the grass courts of Nottingham.