On Day 5 of the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal, a pivotal third-round clash will take place between 28th-seeded McCartney Kessler and the top-performing fourth seed, Mirra Andreeva. This match holds significance as part of Kessler’s Canadian Open journey and mirrors the ongoing competition among rising players vying for prominence this season.
Andreeva enters this matchup with an impressive record, having won 36 of 47 matches so far in 2025, including titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. She has progressed through the Canadian Open without playing a point due to a first-round bye and a second-round walkover against Bianca Andreescu. In contrast, Kessler has claimed two titles at Hobart and Nottingham and posted a 28-17 record this year. After also receiving a first-round bye, she secured a tight three-set victory over Maya Joint in the second round.
This encounter marks the first meeting between these two competitors on the professional tour. Given Andreeva’s form and higher seed, she is widely viewed as the favorite to advance.
Other Women’s Singles Matches Highlight Emerging Talent
Aside from Andreeva versus Kessler, several other important third-round matches will highlight the women’s draw at the Canadian Open. Fourth seed Mirra Andreeva is joined by other top seeds who have been making strong runs this season, including Emma Navarro, Elena Rybakina, and home contender Victoria Mboko.
Victoria Mboko will face Marie Bouzkova in a much-anticipated second-round match, adding local interest to the day’s line-up. Additionally, the encounter between Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Japanese qualifier Aoi Ito stands out for its competitive edge among players seeking breakthrough wins.
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Aoi Ito Set for Their First Professional Duel
Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who has built an 18-16 record in 2025 with notable quarterfinals in Rouen and Rabat, has met with steady but unspectacular momentum into the Canadian Open. She opened the tournament by defeating Louisa Chirico in three sets and then overcame 26th seed Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets.
Aoi Ito, a qualifier from Japan, has shown resilience this year with 22 wins and an ITF title in Canberra. Ito fought through qualifying rounds and recorded a major upset over seventh seed Jasmine Paolini in the second round, extending her impressive run. Although this is their first meeting, Maneiro is expected to have the edge based on current form and experience.
Suzen Lamens and Zhu Lin Compete for a Spot in the Round of 16
In another compelling third-round battle, unseeded players Suzan Lamens and Zhu Lin will face off as both aim to advance deeper into the tournament. Lamens boasts a 22-18 record this year, including a semifinal finish at Rouen, and continues to impress with recent wins over players such as 18th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Zhu Lin, meanwhile, holds a solid 13-8 win/loss mark in 2025. She began her Canadian Open campaign by beating French qualifier Varvara Gracheva and overcoming 12th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova. This match will be their first direct encounter, and Lamens is favored thanks to slightly better recent results.
Matchup Outcomes and What They Mean for the Canadian Open
As the tournament progresses, these third-round matches play a vital role in shaping the draw. McCartney Kessler’s contest against Mirra Andreeva represents a crucial test for the American, challenging her to overcome one of the top seeds who has dominated much of the season. Andreeva’s form and hard-earned wins in prestigious events indicate she is the player to beat in this matchup.
Similarly, the victories expected from Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Suzan Lamens in their respective matches would position them well to make significant advances and possibly affect higher seeds in later rounds. For home fans watching Victoria Mboko and her compatriots, continued success by Canadian players will add to the excitement and national interest in the tournament’s outcome.
The results from these high-stakes clashes will influence not just rankings but also confidence as players prepare for the final stretch of the Canadian Open and upcoming major tournaments.