On August 10, 2025, McCartney Kessler, seeded 29th, will compete against unseeded Caty McNally in the second round (Round of 64) of the Cincinnati Open. The match is set to take place at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, as part of the WTA 1000 event on hard courts. The tournament offers prize money exceeding five million dollars and will be broadcast live in the United States on Tennis Channel and TC Plus, in the UK on Sky Sports, and in Canada via TSN.
Comparing the Players’ 2025 Seasons and Recent Form
McCartney Kessler has experienced a moderately successful year, with notable victories at the Hobart International and Nottingham Open, along with a runner-up finish at the ATX Open. However, beyond these performances, she has not made significant headway in other tournaments during the season. After an early exit at Wimbledon, Kessler began her North American hardcourt season at the Citi DC Open, reaching the Round of 32. She then advanced to the fourth round at the Canadian Open before arriving in Cincinnati.
In contrast, Caty McNally is still in pursuit of a major breakthrough on the WTA Tour. Although she has been a professional for some time, 2025 has not been her most productive year. Her highlight came at the WTA 125K event in Newport, where she secured a title, although that tournament is not part of the main WTA circuit. More recently, McNally progressed to the third round of the Montreal event, where she was eliminated by fellow American Madison Keys. Now, McNally looks to improve her results on home soil in Cincinnati.
First-Time Meeting Between Two American Contenders
This encounter will mark the inaugural meeting between McCartney Kessler and Caty McNally, with no prior head-to-head record between them. Their unfamiliarity could contribute to an interesting dynamic as both strive to gain an early edge in the match.
Match Analysis and Playing Styles
The clash between Kessler and McNally is expected to provide an engaging contest, highlighting contrasting styles amid an all-American matchup. Kessler’s game relies on consistency and precision from the baseline; she aims to wear down opponents by extending rallies and forcing errors through calculated shot placement rather than sheer power.
Meanwhile, McNally is known for her aggressive approach and effective net play, attributes often honed through her success in doubles. She is comfortable finishing points at the net and utilizing varied spins to unsettle her rivals. Should McNally seize control early and disrupt Kessler’s rhythm with her variety, she may gain the upper hand. Conversely, if Kessler maintains strong defense and sustains lengthy rallies, the contest could prove closer than anticipated.
Predictions for the Cincinnati Second Round Match
Both players enter this encounter eager to assert themselves on the North American hardcourt stage. Given Kessler’s recent form and steady baseline tactics, she is favored to secure victory in straight sets. However, McNally’s potential to impose pressure with her net skills means the match will still attract attention as one of the more competitive fixtures in the tournament’s early rounds.