Chinese star Qinwen Zheng is set to take on American contender McCartney Kessler in the Round of 16 at the Queen’s Club Championships, marking a significant moment in this year’s women’s tournament after its 52-year hiatus. Zheng, fresh off a quarterfinal finish at the French Open, and Kessler, who has shown promising results in 2025, both aim to make their mark on grass courts as they prepare for Wimbledon.

This match draws attention not only because of the players’ contrasting experiences but also due to the renewed focus on the Queen’s Club Championships as a preparatory ground. Zheng is keen to translate her baseline strength and recent form into success on grass, while Kessler’s aggressive all-court style challenges her opponent’s defensive strategies.

Qinwen Zheng’s Journey This Season and Grass Court Aspirations

Qinwen Zheng started the 2025 season with mixed results, including a surprising second-round exit at the Australian Open against Germany’s Laura Siegemund. Following early losses in the Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships, her performance improved markedly during the Sunshine Doubles, reaching the quarterfinals of Indian Wells and Miami. Zheng further demonstrated her resilience on clay, highlighted by a semifinal appearance in Rome.

Though her French Open run ended with a straight-sets defeat to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Zheng looks forward with determination. Reflecting on that loss, she admitted,

“I blew so many chances during the match. I did learn a lesson from the defeat.

“All she now wants is to keep her calm and control her nerves whenever she faces a similar situation. Next up for her is the Queen’s Club Championship, where the women’s event has returned after a gap of almost 52 years. I really look forward to playing at the Queen’s Club. I know it’s a club with great history, and I’m thrilled that there is a women’s tournament here this year,”

—Qinwen Zheng, Tennis Player

Despite two consecutive first-round defeats at Wimbledon in previous years—one hampered by injury and the other due to inadequate preparation with a new team—Zheng remains optimistic about her grass court prospects:

“I believe I can perform well on a grass court. Last year I was injured while playing at Wimbledon, and one year earlier I didn’t prepare well as I was working with a new team. I think I can be much stronger this year if I prepare well.”

—Qinwen Zheng, Tennis Player

McCartney Kessler’s Rising Trajectory in 2025

American McCartney Kessler burst onto the scene in 2024, and her upward trajectory continued into 2025. She secured her second Hologic WTA Tour title by defeating Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the final of the Hobart International. Kessler’s aggressive baseline game and quick court coverage have earned her notable victories and audience attention.

Her form persisted as she reached the final of the ATX Open before falling to World No. 3 Jessica Pegula. However, Kessler’s results on clay have been more modest, except for a quarterfinal appearance at the WTA 125K Saint-Malo event. At the recent French Open, she faced an early exit against Elena Gabriela-Ruse in straight sets.

Kessler has now shown promising signs on grass by defeating Britain’s Francesca Jones with a 6-2, 6-4 scoreline in her opening Queen’s Club match. This result positions her well ahead of the looming challenge against Zheng in what promises to be a high-stakes contest.

Comparing Zheng and Kessler: Experience, Form, and Style on Grass

Notably, the upcoming match marks the first-ever meeting between Qinwen Zheng and McCartney Kessler. Zheng approaches this grass-court debut this season with a 17-9 win-loss record overall, though she is yet to record a victory on grass in 2025. In contrast, Kessler holds a 22-14 record on the year with a positive 1-0 record on grass so far.

Zheng’s past struggles with the grass surface cannot be overlooked—she has lost six of her last seven grass-court matches, with her best Wimbledon finish being a third round appearance in 2022. While hard courts have favored her, grass has remained a challenging terrain. Still, Zheng’s greater experience at higher-tier tournaments and deeper runs this year confer an edge.

The two players’ contrasting styles add intrigue. Kessler’s strengths lie in her all-court play, aggressive baseline rallies, and the ability to flip defense into offense swiftly. She frequently employs her sharp backhand slice on grass to create break opportunities.

Meanwhile, Zheng is renowned for her heavy topspin from both wings, strong forehand, and tactical intelligence, often dictating play from the baseline and capitalizing on early ball striking. Her serve and aggressive approach offer a potent combination to challenge Kessler’s rhythm.

Prediction: A Tough Battle Ending in Zheng’s Favor

Despite the potential for an upset, the prediction leans toward Qinwen Zheng to emerge victorious in a demanding three-set encounter. While Kessler’s recent resurgence and grass-court capability pose significant threats, Zheng’s experience, recent form on tour, and strategic versatility make her the favorite.

Expect Zheng to leverage her powerful baseline game and sharp court sense at the iconic Andy Murray Arena, navigating a tough test that could boost her confidence ahead of Wimbledon. This match will likely serve as a critical gauge of Zheng’s evolving grass-court prowess and Kessler’s growth as a rising star on the WTA Tour.

With Wimbledon approaching, both players have much at stake, making this Queen’s Club clash a compelling preview of the battles to come on the grass courts of London.