McCartney Kessler Faces Off Against Daria Kasatkina in Crucial Pan Pacific Open Match

American tennis player McCartney Kessler is set to face a significant challenge as she takes on top-10 ranked Daria Kasatkina in the second round of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. Kessler, who recently won her first WTA-level title in Cleveland, has been in impressive form, with a 9-4 record over her last 13 outings.

Kessler advanced to the second round by defeating Elisabetta Cocciaretto in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. Despite her strong recent performance, Kessler is considered an underdog against Kasatkina, with odds of +175 to win the match.

Daria Kasatkina, the third seed in the bottom bracket, comes into the match fresh from her victory at the Ningbo Open. Kasatkina’s win in Ningbo marked her entry into the top 10 of the WTA rankings and keeps her in contention for a spot in the WTA Finals. She has a 23-15 record on hard courts this season and is also chasing her 40th win of the year.

This match will be the first encounter between Kessler and Kasatkina, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest. The winner will advance to face either Sofia Kenin or Clara Tauson in the quarterfinals.

The match is scheduled to take place on October 24 at the Ariake Tennis Park in Tokyo, with many predicting a closely contested and potentially lengthy battle between the two players).