Two-time defending champion Katie Boulter has been knocked out of the Nottingham Open in the quarterfinals by American McCartney Kessler.

Katie Boulter’s bid for a hat-trick of Nottingham titles came to an end as the Briton was beaten 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 by American McCartney Kessler at the WTA 250 event on Friday.

Katie Boulter's bid for a hat-trick of Nottingham titles came to an end as the Briton was beaten 6-3 3-6 6-4 by American McCartney Kessler at the WTA 250 event on Friday. Eighth seed Boulter secured a service break early in the deciding set but Kessler stormed back to reach the semi-finals.