The Lexus Ilkley Open is set to showcase thrilling finals, featuring Jacob Fearnley facing Yunchaokete Bu for the men’s singles championship. Ashlyn Krueger will compete against Celine Naef in the women’s final.
Jacob Fearnley vs. Yunchaokete Bu: Men’s Singles Final
Jacob Fearnley, a rising star from Britain, reached his first ATP Challenger final this year. He secured a hard-fought victory against Italy’s Filippo Romano, winning 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4. Fearnley, the British No.7, will now challenge Yunchaokete Bu, who has displayed impressive form.
Bu advanced to the final by defeating seventh seed Dane Sweeny in two close tiebreaks, 7-6(4), 7-6(6). This final follows Bu’s recent victory at the Lexus Birmingham Open, marking back-to-back finals on grass.
Fearnley has a solid history on grass courts, having won the ATP Challenger title at the Lexus Nottingham Open two years ago. Despite struggling with injuries earlier this season, he has regained his form in Ilkley and is determined to claim the title.
Match Insights
- Fearnley is ranked fifth and is targeting his first title of the season.
- Bu currently ranks 166th globally and has not lost a set in his matches this week.
- The upcoming final will mark their second meeting—Fearnley won the first encounter in straight sets at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open.
Ashlyn Krueger vs. Celine Naef: Women’s Singles Final
The women’s singles final will feature Ashlyn Krueger, who is looking to claim her second WTA 125 title, and Celine Naef, who is competing in her first-ever grass court final.
Krueger advanced to the final after a decisive victory over fourth seed Darja Vidmanova, finishing 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. The American, just 22 years old, previously won a WTA 250 title in Osaka in 2023.
Naef, the Swiss competitor, made an impressive comeback in her semi-final against Mary Stoiana, winning 1-6, 6-3, 6-5, after losing the first set. At only 20 years old, Naef has established herself on the ITF tour, amassing 10 singles and nine doubles titles since 2022.
Final Matchup Details
- Krueger is ranked 113th in the world.
- Naef is currently ranked 206th globally and has thrived this season, winning three titles in the first two months of 2026.
- This final also represents a personal milestone for Naef, matching her runner-up finish at the WTA 125 final in Limoges.
How to Watch the Finals
Fans can watch the Lexus Ilkley Open women’s singles final live on WTA Unlocked, while the men’s singles final will be available exclusively on Tennis Channel. Don’t miss the chance to see these exciting matchups as players vie for titles in this prestigious tournament.
