Preview: Doubles Final

McCartney Kessler is drawing plenty of attention after securing spots in both the singles and doubles championships at the ATX Open on Sunday afternoon. However, the 25-year-old, currently breaking into the top 50 in singles, is quick to acknowledge that her temporary partner, Zhang Shuai, is the most decorated player on the court when they face Yuan Yue and Anna Blinkova. At 36, Zhang has an impressive resume, with Grand Slam doubles titles at the 2019 Australian Open and the 2021 US Open alongside Australian legend Sam Stosur. Now ranked No. 16, Zhang reached a career-high No. 2 in doubles after appearing in the 2022 Wimbledon final. Kessler, ranked in the 300s in doubles, has expressed her intent to play more doubles as her improved singles ranking gives her direct entry into tournaments.

On the other side, Blinkova, who lost in singles but triumphed in doubles on Friday, teams up with Yuan, the ATX Open’s 2024 singles champion. The pair made a statement by defeating the top-seeded duo of Cristina Busca and Miyu Kato in the opening round this week.