ATX Open Austin Final Preview: Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler set for all-American showdown

Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler will face off in an all-American final at the WTa 250 ATX Open Austin. This marks the first WTA final in a U.S. tournament featuring two American players since the 2017 US Open, where Sloane Stephens claimed her first major title by defeating Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0.

World No. 4 Pegula enters the final as the clear favourite after defeating Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Kessler will be looking to spring another surprise and secure her third WTA title.

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Pegula eyes first title of 2024

The World No. 4 has reached her second final of the season, following her runner-up finish at the Adelaide International, where she lost to Madison Keys. Pegula holds a 12-4 record this season and has enjoyed an almost flawless run to the final in Austin.

The top seed advanced past Arantxa Rus (6-3, 3-2 ret.), Nuria Párrizas (6-1, 6-3), Anna Blinkova (6-2, 6-2), and Ajla Tomljanovic (6-1, 4-6, 6-3). Against Tomljanovic, Pegula struggled with consistency in the second set and found herself in a tougher battle than expected, nearly letting the match slip into a deciding set.

Pegula won her last title at 2024 Canadian Open

Maintaining her level against Kessler will be crucial, as her compatriot is known for staying focused throughout matches.

Pegula is aiming for her first title of the season and the seventh of her career. Her last trophy came at the WTA 1000 Canadian Open in August 2024. The 31-year-old is competing in Austin for the first time and is the heavy favourite to lift the trophy, potentially becoming the first American champion at the ATX Open.

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Kessler seeks another upset in Austin

The 25-year-old continues her impressive rise on the WTA Tour and will play the third final of her career (2-0 in previous finals). Currently ranked No. 56, Kessler holds a 14-5 record this season and has already secured one title in 2024, winning the Hobart International by defeating Elise Mertens in the final.

Kessler has already produced several upsets this year, including victories over Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff just a few weeks ago at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. This week, the fifth seed battled past Viktorija Golubic (6-2, 7-5), Cristina Bucșa (5-7, 6-3, 7-6(4)), Sorana Cîrstea (5-7, 6-4, 6-1), and Greet Minnen (7-5, 6-4) to reach the final.

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Now, she has the chance to claim her third career title and break into the Top 50, potentially reaching a career-high ranking of No. 44 with a victory. Kessler has never faced Pegula before and will need to bring her best tennis if she hopes to challenge the 2024 US Open runner-up, who remains the overwhelming favourite.

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