Two-time defending champion Katie Boulter and second seed Clara Tauson lost in Nottingham quarterfinals on Friday on a day of surprise results in the English Midlands leaving the draw looking wide open with all four semifinalists are looking to reach their first WTA Tour grass-court final. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both semifinals, as well as the WTA Berlin action, but who will advance?
WTA Nottingham Semifinal Predictions
McCartney Kessler vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-head: Kessler 1-1 Sramkova
McCartney Kessler doesn’t have that much grass-court experience, but she’s improving quickly and after getting through Wimbledon qualifying last year, it is not entirely surprising to see her making a bigger impact in 2025. Upsetting two-time defending champion Katie Boulter in the quarterfinals is a result to hang her hat on, and the American has already played Rebecca Sramkova twice this season, losing on clay in Madrid but winning in Hobart on hard courts.
The conditions seemingly play a little bit more to Kessler’s strengths and Sramkova might be getting tired after some marathons this week. But realistically, this just looks very close on paper. Especially as both players are in somewhat unknown territory with this being their best grass-court run ever.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Magda Linette vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-head: Yastremska 4-1 Linette
Dayana Yastremska’s 2024 was all about that Australian Open run, but now she’s performing a little bit more solidly all-round despite a lack of a big highlight. After a tough battle with Antonia Ruzic in the second round, she posted a key win against Leylah Fernandez. In terms of playstyle, this could be a similar matchup against another player who loves redirecting a flatter ball (although Magda Linette is right-handed).
The Pole is playing very well this week, but it’s tough to argue against the head-to-head and Yastremska beating her every time in quicker conditions. Including on grass in Birmingham three years ago or this season in Dubai, which makes you think she can deal with Linette’s redirections on a slicker court.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
