WTA250 Tennis Preview: Lexus Nottingham Open

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The 2025 Lexus Nottingham Open returns to the Nottingham Tennis Centre from June 16–22, offering a crucial grass-court tune-up for both WTA and ATP Challenger players. With a WTA 250 designation and an ATP Challenger 125 status, this dual-gender event blends rising stars, seasoned veterans, and local British favorites in a picturesque pre-Wimbledon setting.

Tournament Overview

  • Dates: June 16–22, 2025
  • Location: Nottingham Tennis Centre, Nottingham, UK
  • Surface: Outdoor Grass
  • WTA Category: WTA 250
  • ATP Category: Challenger 125
  • Prize Money: €922,573 (WTA) / €181,250 (ATP)
  • Draw Sizes: 32 Singles / 16 Doubles (both tours)

WTA Field Highlights

  • Katie Boulter (No. 7 seed): The two-time defending champion and local favorite is chasing a historic third straight title on home soil.
  • Beatriz Haddad Maia (Top seed): The 2022 champion returns with her sights set on reclaiming the crown.
  • Leylah Fernandez (No. 5 seed): The 2021 US Open finalist brings her aggressive baseline game to the grass.
  • Yulia Putintseva, Elise Mertens, Clara Tauson, Linda Nosková: All seeded and dangerous on fast surfaces.
  • Wildcards: Petra Kvitová (former Wimbledon champ), Naomi Osaka, and Sonay Kartal add depth and star power.

ATP Challenger Standouts

  • Marin Čilić: The 2014 US Open champion and former Queen’s Club winner leads the men’s field.
  • Luca Nardi (Top seed): Italy’s rising star is the highest-ranked entrant.
  • Christopher Eubanks: The 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinalist brings big-serving flair.
  • Arthur Cazaux, Daniel Elahi Galán, Brandon Holt: All capable of deep runs.
  • British Wildcards: Jay Clarke, George Loffhagen, and Jack Pinnington Jones will look to impress the home crowd.

Grass-Court Trends & Insights

  • Fast Conditions: Nottingham’s slick grass courts reward first-strike tennis, strong serving, and net play.
  • British Success: Homegrown players have thrived here—Boulter, Andy Murray, and Dan Evans are recent champions.
  • Upset Potential: The mix of WTA veterans and ATP up-and-comers makes for unpredictable early rounds.

Prize Money & Points Breakdown

WTA 250 (Singles):

  • Winner: €142,610 / 500 points
  • Finalist: €87,825 / 325 points
  • Semifinalist: €51,305 / 195 points

ATP Challenger 125 (Singles):

  • Winner: €21,650 / 125 points
  • Finalist: €12,720 / 75 points
  • Semifinalist: €7,490 / 45 points

How to Watch

  • UK: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
  • USA: Tennis Channel
  • Streaming: TennisTV, LTA Score Centre

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Lexus Nottingham Open is more than a warm-up—it’s a proving ground for grass-court contenders. With Katie Boulter chasing history, Marin Čilić returning to form, and rising stars like Kartal and Nardi in the mix, this tournament promises drama, upsets, and breakout performances.