ATX Open Austin Final Preview: Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler set for all-American showdown
WTA
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.
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.
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.
Head-to-Head
| Pegula | Kessler | |
|---|---|---|
| H2H Record | ||
| Total Wins | 0 | 0 |
| Win Streak | 0 | 0 |
| Ranking | ||
| Official Ranking | 4 | 56 |
| Race Ranking | 12 | 32 |
| Live Ranking | ||
| Live Ranking | 4 | 48 (+8) |
| Live Race Ranking | 11 (+1) | 19 (+13) |
| Bios | ||
| Age | 31 (24 Feb 1994) | 25 (8 Jul 1999) |
| Birthplace | Buffalo, New York, US | Calhoun, Georgia, U.S. |
| Residence | Boca Raton, Florida, US | - |
| Height | 5'6" (170cm) | - |
| Weight | 154lbs (70kg) | - |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) | - |
| Turned Pro | 2012 | - |
| Coach | Mark Knowles, Mark Merklein (2024–) | - |
| YTD W/L | 10-4 (71%) | 13-4 (76%) |
| YTD Titles | - | 1 |
| Career Titles | 6 | 2 |
| Prize Money | US$ 16,965,971 - 32nd in all-time rankings | US$ 810,236 |
| Past Meetings | ||
|
First meeting |
||
Match Info
Start time (local): Sun, 2 Mar, 1:30 PM
Start time (your time): Mon, 3 Mar, 3:30 AM
Court: Center Court
Tournament: ATX Open
Round: Final
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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