The stage is set for an electrifying showdown at the 2025 Nottingham Open as McCartney Kessler and Dayana Yastremska prepare to clash in the tournament final on Sunday, June 22. Both players have fought hard on the grass courts to reach this pinnacle moment, with Kessler entering as the slight favorite.
Kessler, ranked 42nd in the world, holds odds of -118 to win the final, narrowly edging out Yastremska, the Ukrainian star ranked 46th, who comes in at -102. These odds translate into an implied 54.1% chance of victory for Kessler, reflecting her consistent performance on grass this season. Despite a 1-1 record on grass courts this year, Kessler boasts a 75% winning percentage in service games and a 32% success rate in return games, showcasing her strong hold on her serve and ability to challenge opponents’ serves.
Yastremska, 25, has impressed throughout the tournament, dropping just one set on her path to the final. Her journey included a notable upset over Polish sixth seed Magda Linette in Saturday’s semifinal, where she won 6-4, 6-4 in a match interrupted by rain. Yastremska broke Linette early in the first set and surged to a 4-1 lead in the second before the weather delay. Her ability to maintain composure and close out the match after the break highlights her mental toughness and adaptability on grass, a surface she admits she "really loves," despite joking about a possible allergy to it.
Meanwhile, Kessler secured her final spot with a confident 6-4, 6-2 victory over Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova. The American capitalized on a double fault from Sramkova to break serve and take the first set, then stormed ahead to a 4-0 lead in the second, demonstrating her aggressive style and precision serving. Kessler’s 2025 season statistics underline her competitive edge, with a match record of 19-13 and a set record of 42-31. She averages 1.7 aces per match and has successfully converted 137 break points this year, numbers that reflect her ability to seize crucial moments.
Yastremska’s 2025 stats are equally impressive, with a 17-11 match record and 38-23 set record. She leads in aces per match with an average of 3.0 and has won 111 break points, underscoring her aggressive serve and return game. Both players have shown resilience and skill throughout the tournament, making this final a tantalizing prospect for tennis fans.
Looking back at their recent form, Kessler struggled in the LTA London Championships, falling in a tight three-setter to No. 5-ranked Qinwen Zheng. This defeat on June 12 may have fueled her determination to excel on grass, a surface where she can leverage her strong service games. Yastremska’s recent outing at Roland Garros saw an early exit against Liudmila Samsonova, but her transition to grass has clearly rejuvenated her game, as evidenced by her performance in Nottingham.
The final promises to be a tactical battle on grass, a surface that rewards quick reflexes, powerful serves, and sharp net play. Kessler’s 75% service game win rate on grass this year contrasts with Yastremska’s higher ace count, setting up an intriguing contrast of styles. Will Kessler’s consistency and break point prowess prevail, or will Yastremska’s aggressive serving and recent momentum carry her to a long-awaited WTA title?
Fans can catch the final live on the BBC from 12:00 BST, with anticipation building for what could be a defining moment in both players’ careers. Yastremska is chasing her first WTA title since 2019, while Kessler looks to add a prestigious grass-court trophy to her resume.
The Nottingham Open has a rich history of showcasing rising stars and thrilling matches on grass, and this year’s final is no exception. Both players have demonstrated grit and skill, navigating tough opponents and weather interruptions to reach this stage. The match’s point-by-point details reveal a closely contested battle, with multiple deuce games and break point opportunities highlighting the competitive intensity.
As the sun sets on Nottingham, the spotlight will shine brightly on Kessler and Yastremska. Their contrasting paths to the final, combined with their comparable rankings and statistics, set the scene for a captivating contest. Whichever way the match swings, tennis enthusiasts are in for a treat as these two athletes vie for glory on the grass courts.
