Katie Boulter`s impressive 12-match winning streak at the Nottingham Open came to an end on Friday when she was defeated by McCartney Kessler in the quarter-finals.
Seeking her third consecutive title in Nottingham after victories in 2023 and 2024, Boulter ultimately lost to the American Kessler in three sets: 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
The British number two seemed headed for the semi-finals, holding a 4-2 lead with a service break in the deciding set. However, she dropped the final four games, losing her serve twice, which sealed her defeat.
This brought an end to her impressive 12-match winning streak on her home turf.
American opponent Kessler commented on the match: “It was a very tight match, it was close. I focused on playing my own game, and luckily, I managed to win.”
Describing the style of play, she added: “We`re both aggressive players, so there were many powerful shots exchanged.”
Regarding her future goals, Kessler stated: “I aim to win as many titles as possible and position myself to compete for them. I`m looking forward to the matches later this weekend.”
Kessler is scheduled to face Rebecca Sramkova in the semi-finals on Saturday.
In the other semi-final match, Dayana Yastremska will compete against Magda Linette.
Ukraine`s Yastremska secured her semi-final spot by defeating former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) in their quarter-final.
Linette advanced to the final four after overcoming top seed Clara Tauson 6-2, 7-5.
Sabalenka`s Great Escape
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka achieved a remarkable comeback victory against Elena Rybakina in the Berlin Tennis Open quarter-finals, in a match lasting two hours and 42 minutes.
Facing the 2022 Wimbledon champion and trailing 6-2 in the deciding set tiebreak, Sabalenka incredibly won six consecutive points to secure a comeback win with a final score of 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, 7-6 (8-6).
After the match, Sabalenka admitted, “Elena is a great player, and we always have tough matches. Honestly, I don`t know how I managed to win those final points. I think I just got lucky.”
She continued, “I recall winning many matches from match points down when I was starting my career. Not long ago, I was thinking it had been a while since I had such a crazy comeback, and here it is.”
“Winning matches like this feels incredible, and I`m proud of myself for staying focused and fighting until the very last point,” Sabalenka concluded.
Sabalenka`s next opponent will be the Czech Marketa Vondrousova, who secured her spot by defeating Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-1, in a repeat of the 2023 Wimbledon final.
In another quarter-final, Chinese qualifier Xinyu Wang moved on after eighth seed Paula Badosa retired because of a right hip injury. The 23-year-old Wang is having a standout week in Berlin, having already defeated second seed Coco Gauff in the previous round.
