Bublik beats Medvedev to win second Halle title, Kessler tops Yastremska for third WTA crown in Nottingham

Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik achieved his first career victory over Daniil Medvedev to secure the Halle title on Sunday, winning with scores of 6-3, 7-6(4), thereby continuing his recent resurgence.

Bublik had previously lost to the Russian Medvedev in their last six encounters, managing to win only one set during those matches. However, he delivered an outstanding performance on grass to break that losing streak.

Former world number one Medvedev has now faced defeat in his last six finals at the Tour level.

Known for his showmanship, Bublik demonstrated newfound maturity with a composed performance in the final, maintaining the form that allowed him to defeat world number one Jannik Sinner in the round of 16 earlier this week.

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The 27-year-old broke Medvedev's serve in the eighth game of the first set and then easily held his own serve, propelling himself forward during an impressive 12-point winning streak.

Medvedev had a set point when Bublik served at 4-5 in the second set, but was unable to capitalize as his crafty opponent executed a delicate drop shot from behind the baseline.

Third seed Medvedev initially led 4-1 in the tiebreaker, but the unseeded Bublik made a remarkable comeback to conclude a memorable week and replicate his title victory on the German grass from 2023.

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"I had such tough months since last Wimbledon to probably this summer," said Bublik, who was outside the top 75 as recently as last month but will rise to 30 on Monday.

"I was close to calling it quits after Wimbledon because I was not enjoying it anymore. Now this is happening. I don't know. Quarters at the French. Winner here. I have no words. I have never defeated Daniil. He is an exceptionally challenging opponent, particularly given my playing style, and today everything aligned both mentally and physically."

"That's one of the wins of my career."

Kessler tops Yastremska for third WTA crown in Nottingham.

Meanwhile, American McCartney Kessler achieved her third career title on Sunday by defeating Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska with scores of 6-4, 7-5 in a Nottingham Open final that was interrupted by rain.

Kessler, who had previously secured her first main draw Tour-level victory on grass earlier this month at Queen's, controlled the match from the beginning and concluded her win in one hour and 34 minutes.

"I'm super excited to have another title. I've gotten to another final, another great week of tennis for me.

"I want to start by congratulating Dayana on a good week as well," Kessler said.

She is an exceptionally formidable competitor. We have engaged in three highly competitive matches, so congratulations on a successful week.

The 25-year-old American excelled over Yastremska in terms of serving during the first set, securing 17 out of her 25 service points, while the Ukrainian managed 19 from 35 first serves.

The second set reached a tie at 3-3 before Kessler overcame a vigorous challenge from Yastremska to finish it at 7-5.

Yastremska, who is the first Ukrainian athlete to reach a WTA Tour final on this surface in 17 years, was participating in her second final of the year but was unable to secure her first WTA title since 2019.