Defensive powerhouse McCartney Kessler hung tough in her New York opener, seeing off Magda Linette 7-5, 7-5 to book her place in the 2nd round.
2nd Round- 27th August
McCartney Kessler (32) 1.6 vs Marketa Vondrousova 0.48
The former collegiate star has enjoyed an encouraging breakthrough season, winning titles in Hobart and Nottingham (she also finished runner-up in Austin). She recently shone in Montreal, beating Andreeva en route to the 4th round while winning the doubles title playing alongside Coco Gauff (who she also happened to beat in Dubai earlier this year). A strong all-court player, Kessler covers plenty of ground, using a signature backhand slice to linger in rallies (she tends to attack on the forehand wing). Speaking of all-court players, former Wimbledon champ Marketa Vondrousova was far from her fluid best in her US Open opener, taking down unfancied Russian Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 7-6. She served erratically throughout, winning 70% of her first-serve points but coughing up 12 double faults. The two-time Grand Slam champ has suffered yet another injury-ravaged campaign, missing over three months of action due to a shoulder issue. She bounced back in style in Berlin, winning her 3rd career title. A quarterfinalist here back in 2023, Vondrousova is a nightmare unseeded opponent.
The Verdict: Kessler to win in three at 5– Vondrousova leads the head-to-head 1-0, conquering Kessler in straight sets at this year’s Wimbledon Championships. These surfaces should play much more into Kessler’s hands. Vondrousova’s drop-shot will be less efficient on these surfaces (especially when you consider the American’s athleticism). Voundrousvoa will cause problems with the amount of topspin she creates on that lefty forehand. I just think that Kessler’s exceptional conditioning could help see her through in three.
