The tennis world has been closely watching McCartney Kessler’s meteoric rise to stardom this season. With a victory in Hobart that marked her second WTA Tour title and a notable run to the ATX Open final that ended with a standing ovation from none other than Matthew McConaughey, Kessler has surged into the spotlight. As she continues to ride this wave of success, all eyes are now on the Miami Open, where she is set to face off against Marie Bouzkova in the opening round. The burning question in everyone’s mind: will Kessler’s winning streak remain unbroken?
Entering the Miami Open, Kessler is fresh off a two-set loss to world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in the R64 of the Indian Wells Masters. Despite falling to Sabalenka 6(4)-7,3-6, Kessler displayed an admirable resilience, particularly during the first set.
Contrastingly, Kessler’s opponent, Marie Bouzkova, has had a rather unremarkable season. Her season highlight was a quarterfinal appearance at the Brisbane International. However, her run at Indian Wells ended prematurely at the R128 following a defeat at the hands of Dutch sensation Suzan Lamens, 6-3,3-6,3-6.
In terms of head-to-head records, Kessler and Bouzkova have faced each other only once, with Bouzkova leading 1-0 thanks to her victory at the 2024 Washington DC R32, where she triumphed 6-4,4-6,6-2.
Despite being down in the head-to-head count, the odds seem to favor Kessler. The American sensation has enjoyed a stellar season, boasting a 15-7 win-loss record in 2025, while Bouzkova’s score stands at a mere 5-4. Moreover, the home conditions and the support of the home crowd could give Kessler the edge.
The playing styles of the two players present an interesting contrast. Bouzkova is known for her aggressive baseline game, characterized by a strong forehand, a solid backhand, and an impressive court coverage. She also has a reputation for bouncing back from tough situations. However, her high number of double faults this season – 44, against 24 aces – is concerning. In her last match against Lamens, she committed 10 double faults, proving that she needs to tighten up her game.
Kessler, on the other hand, is renowned for her tactical baseline game and her quick thinking on the court. Her powerful serve and two-handed backhand, coupled with her agile footwork, make her a formidable opponent.
Taking everything into account, it seems likely that the match could go to three sets, but Kessler appears poised to come out on top. As the Miami Open 2025 unfolds, tennis enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly watching to see if Kessler can continue her winning streak, or if Bouzkova can turn the tables and claim a victory of her own.