Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler make history in first all-American WTA final since 2017
WTA
The ATX Open Austin final between Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler will be the first time two Americans face off in a local tournament since 2017, when Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys battled for the US Open title.
On Saturday night, Pegula became the first American finalist in the tournament’s three-year history after defeating Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. The local crowd had even more reason to celebrate when, in the second match of the night, Kessler also triumphed, overcoming Greet Minnen 7-5, 6-4.
All-American showdown: Pegula and Kessler set for historic Austin final
More than seven years have passed since two American women contested a final on home soil. The last time was at the 2017 US Open, where Sloane Stephens dominated Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0.
This time, at the WTA 250 Austin, World No. 4 Pegula will take on an inspired Kessler (No. 56), who won the Brisbane International and holds a 14-5 record this season. The 25-year-old has been on the rise, making her a serious threat. Just a few weeks ago, she stunned World No. 3 Coco Gauff at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
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Austin is now guaranteed a homegrown champion, a first for the event, which previously crowned Marta Kostyuk (2023) and Yue Yuan (2024) without any American players in the final.
Pegula is chasing her seventh career title and third at the WTA 250 level. A victory would mark her first since the 2024 Canadian Open, where she defeated Amanda Anisimova. Meanwhile, McCartney Kessler is aiming for her third title, having previously won in Cleveland against Beatriz Haddad Maia and in Hobart against Elise Mertens. In both finals, Kessler was the underdog. Can she find the weapons to upset the favourite, Pegula?
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