Fasten your seatbelts as the two in-form Americans are all set to face each other in a blockbuster final at the 2025 ATX Open! After making it to the summit clash in Adelaide at the start of this year, Pegula is currently aiming for her seventh career singles title and first since winning the 2024 Canadian Open. She is excited about winning a WTA title on American soil for the second time in her career. “Every final is new … being the first time I’ve played here, being in the U.S., I like doing well, and I always want to show that I’m one of the best Americans,” the World No. 4 said. Can she now beat the Hobart champion McCartney Kessler in the epic final in Austin, Texas?
Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler: Preview
The only time Jessica Pegula was challenged in this tournament was in the semifinal against Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic. The Australian veteran dragged the match to an epic three-set thriller where she eventually lost. Pegula had a bit of a hiccup in the second set, but she managed to seal the deal by 6-1,4-6,6-3.
First all-American final at the ATX Open!
Jess Pegula vs. McCartney Kessler
March 2 | Championship Sunday pic.twitter.com/MrpjWdn3Dk
— ATX Open (@AtxOpen) March 2, 2025
Her next opponent, the 25-year-old compatriot McCartney Kessler, showcased a dominating performance in her previous match. She defeated Belgium’s Greet Minnen by 7-5,6-4 in the SF. Can Kessler surprise the tennis world by forcing a massive upset in Texas?
Pegula vs Kessler: Head-to-Head
These two American tennis stars have never faced each other before in their careers. So, currently, the head-to-head record between Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler is 0-0! Who is most likely to get the better of the other in their first encounter?
Prediction: Pegula will win this match in straight sets
McCartney Kessler was ranked outside the Top 100 at this time last year. However, her incredible performances in the last twelve months have now earned her the 56th spot in the women’s singles ranking. If we take a look at her form this season, she currently has a win-loss record of 11-5, while for Pegula, it’s 12-4 at the moment. The American had a decent outing in 2024, and even in 2025, she has looked quite sharp so far. Considering her vast experience of playing at the top level, Pegula might have the upper hand in this encounter.
Interestingly, in the previous match, the renowned actor Matthew McConaughey joined the Texas crowd to cheer for Pegula. She will be banking on this enormous support from the crowd again.
Now, if we take a look at their playing styles, McCartney Kessler’s defensive prowess was put on display in her previous match against Minnen. She is known for her steady baseline game and also for her attacking mindset. Kessler has a big serve and a really strong two-handed backhand in her armory. She can cause a few troubles for Pegula with her venomous serv and consistent baseline play. Apart from that, Kessler also loves dominating her opponents with strategic shot placements and swift footwork.
On the other hand, Jessica Pegula is known for her all-around game style with flat groundstrokes. Power and precision are two key aspects of her game. She is also regarded as one of the most tactically intelligent players on the Tour.
Pegula loves playing an aggressive brand of tennis, and her game usually comprises strong groundstrokes. This 31-year-old tennis star loves utilizing her wide wingspan to full effect in her matches, and her favorite shot is the backhand down the line. Considering all these aspects, we feel she might edge past Kessler to win the title.
The post ATX Open: Jessica Pegula vs. McCartney Kessler; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction appeared first on EssentiallySports.