McCartney Kessler Stuns Coco Gauff in Dubai Second Round
In a major upset at the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships, McCartney Kessler defeated Coco Gauff in straight sets 6-4, 7-5 during the second round. This marks Kessler’s first career victory over a Top 10 player and a significant milestone in her rising career.
Match Summary: Kessler’s Strategic Brilliance
Kessler, 25, played with confidence, saving five of six break points and converting three crucial breaks against Gauff. Despite a five-hour rain delay, Kessler maintained her composure, capitalizing on Gauff’s unforced errors to secure the win in under 90 minutes.
Coco Gauff’s Recent Struggles
This loss continues a tough stretch for World No. 3 Coco Gauff, who has now lost three consecutive matches and suffered early exits in both Middle East WTA 1000 tournaments. The defeat also ended her 36-match winning streak against players ranked outside the Top 50, which had been active since Wimbledon 2023.
Kessler’s Road Ahead: Next Challenge Against Muchova
Following her impressive victory, McCartney Kessler advances to the third round of a WTA 1000 event for the first time. She is set to face No. 14 seed Karolina Muchova, who recently eliminated Emma Raducanu in another thrilling contest.
The Dubai Tennis Championships 2025 continues to deliver surprises, making this year’s tournament one of the most unpredictable and exciting yet.