McCartney Kessler Claims Hobart International Title in Stunning Debut

HOBART, Australia — McCartney Kessler of the United States clinched her second career Hologic WTA Tour title on Saturday, defeating No. 2 seed Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 in the Hobart International final. The victory marked Kessler’s tournament debut and solidified her rapid rise in the tennis world.

In their first-ever meeting, the 25-year-old American needed 2 hours and 3 minutes to overcome Mertens, a two-time Hobart champion and former Top 15 player. Kessler, currently ranked No. 67, showcased her aggressive playstyle, firing 44 winners throughout the match to secure the win.

Kessler’s journey to the title has been remarkable. Just one year ago, she was ranked No. 207 and making her Grand Slam main-draw debut at the Australian Open. Since then, she has surged up the rankings, making her Top 100 debut last August and winning her first WTA title in Cleveland. Her victory in Hobart now puts her on the brink of breaking into the Top 50.

The match began with Kessler dominating the first set, hitting 15 winners, including an ace on set point. Mertens, known for her consistency, fought back in the second set, winning an 11-minute, eight-deuce game to shift momentum and level the match. However, Kessler regained control in the decisive third set, cruising to a 6-0 victory.

Both players will now head to Melbourne for the Australian Open, where Kessler faces China‘s Zhang Shuai in the first round. Mertens, the highest-ranked unseeded player in the draw, will take on Swiss qualifier Viktorija Golubic.

In doubles action, No. 4 seeds Jiang Xinyu of China and Wu Fang-hsien of Chinese Taipei claimed the Hobart International doubles title, defeating Monica Niculescu of Romania and Fanny Stollar of Hungary 6-1, 7-6(6). This marks Jiang’s fifth career WTA doubles title and Wu’s third.