Preview: Singles Final

It’s an all-American singles final at the ATX Open, with top seed and World No. 4 Jessica Pegula facing No. 5 seed and World No. 56 McCartney Kessler in their first Hologic WTA Tour meeting. This marks the first WTA final between two Americans on U.S. soil since the 2017 US Open when Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys. The most recent all-American final at a WTA Tour-level event took place earlier this year at the 2025 Adelaide International, where Madison Keys triumphed over ATX Open finalist Jessica Pegula.

Pegula, who turned 31 on Monday, is competing in her 16th career final, including a run to last year’s US Open final, and is aiming for her seventh career title.

The 25-year-old Kessler, a former University of Florida standout, has already claimed two WTA titles, and is hoping to win not only the ATX Open singles title on Sunday, but the doubles trophy too. In doubles, Kessler and partner S. Zhang (CHN) will face A. Blinkova / Y. Yuan (CHN), who was the 2024 singles champion.

Both singles finalists have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an exciting championship match. Expect two players with aggressive baseline styles, both unafraid to go for their shots. Having practiced together last weekend – during which Pegula claimed Kessler “destroyed” her – the two will be well aware of each other’s playing styles, potentially influencing their strategies in the final.

With everything on the line for the ATX Open title, fans can expect a match filled with intensity, heart and exceptional tennis. And a lot of affection for the red, white and blue.

“Obviously being in the U.S., I like doing well,” Pegula said of competing in Austin for the first time. “I always want to show that I’m one of the best Americans and one of the best players in the world, and being able to do that on home soil is always actually special.”

Kessler is making a name for herself both in the U.S. and globally, regularly making deep runs in tournaments. She shared that she doesn’t alter her routine before a final, saying, “The only difference is it’s my last match, so I can leave it all out there, knowing I don’t have to play again the next day.”

However, she may have a doubles final to play just a couple of hours later.