Aug 2, 2025; Montreal, QC, Canada; Mccartney Kessler (USA) reacts after winning a point against Marta Kostyuk (UKR) in fourth round play at IGA Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Who is McCartney Kessler, the American 32nd Seed at the 2025 US Open? All About Kessler’s Rise Up the Ranks

All you need to know about USA’s future title hope.

Aug 2, 2025; Montreal, QC, Canada; Mccartney Kessler (USA) reacts after winning a point against Marta Kostyuk (UKR) in fourth round play at IGA Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

When one talks about a Grand Slam, it’s not just juicy matchups that excite fans. It’s the stories and development of some unexpected underdog tales. While the whole world focuses on the big names, sometimes someone totally unexpected explodes onto the scene and wins it all. 26-year-old McCartney Kessler certainly fits that bill. The American star has made quite a name for herself this year, and could be looking to end the Grand Slam cycle with a big surprise. But now, as she looks to start her journey against Magda Linette, let’s get to know more about Kessler.

Who Is McCartney Kessler

McCartney Kessler was born in Calhoun, Georgia, on July 8, 1996. Since her birth, Kessler was almost destined to be a tennis player, owing to the family pedigree she received. Both her parents were college-level players, and that shaped her early childhood. However, it hasn’t been an easy journey for Kessler, who has had a gradual rise to prominence. Currently ranked No. 41 in the world, Kessler peaked at No. 30 in June 2025. However, that number only tells half the tale.

McCartney Kessler wins her first Hologic WTA Tour title 🏆#TennisInTheLand pic.twitter.com/oguQzoa3UI
— wta (@WTA) August 24, 2024

McCartney Kessler Career

Before turning professional, McCartney Kessler spent 5 seasons playing at the University of Florida. Naturally, Kessler was highly successful during that stint and is a three-time All-American. In her final year, Kessler was also named the SEC Player of the Year. As a result, McCartney is one of the few elite American players to have succeeded in college-level play before beginning their WTA career.

Coco Gauff and McCartney Kessler won 4 STRAIGHT match tiebreaks to win the doubles title 😳🏆#OBN25 pic.twitter.com/Cy1JKZTGJZ
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 6, 2025

Kessler’s professional career began in 2024. Just two years into the tour, the young gun has won 3 WTA tour titles. Additionally, she has also won 1 Challenger title. McCartney began the year ranked No. 67 and peaked at No. 30. All of that has led to her getting the 32nd seed in the US Open.

McCartney Kessler Coach

Interestingly, tennis is a family affair for McCartney Kessler. It was her parents who gave her the initial push, and now her brother McClain serves as her coach. In fact, McClain has been Kessler’s coach since her college days. Earlier this year, Kessler explained the circumstances that led to McClain turning into her full-time tennis coach.

Simply Unstoppable 🛑

McCartney Kessler upsets the World No. 3 in straight sets after a commanding performance 6-4, 7-5!#DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/5Uglitdsuf
— wta (@WTA) February 18, 2025

“It’s great because he’s always been kind of helping me with my tennis, both growing up and in college, because we were both at the same school,” explained Kessler to Tennis.com. “We were always around each other, which makes it fun.” Later, Kessler noted that the presence of her brother helps her reduce post-game stress.

McClain himself had a successful amateur career. He graduated in 2015 and was ranked No. 1 in Georgia and No. 5 in the US on Tennis Recruitment Network. However, the family’s tennis legacy doesn’t just end there – her parents were also successful tennis players.

McCartney Kessler Parents

McCartney Kessler’s parents, Carl and Julie, played collegiate tennis at the University of Central Florida. On top of that, Kessler also has a sister, Mackenzie, who played club tennis at the same university. During a recent interview, McCartney’s father, Carl, explained the struggles the parents went through to support their kids’ tennis dream.

Carl noted that because McCartney and McClain were three years apart, they couldn’t really hit with each other. “We knew if they continued to love the sport that they would have to travel to Atlanta to improve which is 55 miles from our home,” Carl revealed to College Tennis Exposure Camp. Later, he also revealed how financially taxing it was for them to train both McClain and McCartney Kessler.

Could this huge American tennis family turn this US Open into their playground? We’ll find out when McCartney Kessler faces off against Magda Linette.

Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Sanskar Dubey

A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.