Coco Gauff suffers shock loss to McCartney Kessler in round of 32 at Dubai Tennis Championships 2025

Tennis Upset: McCartney Kessler defeats Coco Gauff

In a surprising upset at the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships, world number 53 McCartney Kessler defeated American star Coco Gauff in the second round. Kessler triumphed 6-4, 7-5 on Tuesday, February 18th, marking a critically important victory for the rising player.

Gauff’s Season Struggles Continue

Gauff,ranked world number three,entered the match aiming for her first WTA 1000 win of the year. Though, her momentum was disrupted early on. After receiving a first-round bye, Gauff faced Kessler who had previously defeated Doha champion Amanda Anisimova to reach the second round.

Rain Delay Adds to the Challenge

A lengthy rain delay added another layer of complexity to the match. The contest, originally scheduled for Centre Court, was ultimately moved to Court 1 and began nearly nine hours after the initial session start.

Kessler’s Dominant Performance

despite the delay, Kessler showcased exceptional control on the court. She secured an early break in the first set and maintained a steady lead throughout. In the second set, Gauff fought back to level the score, only to succumb to a crucial service break, allowing Kessler to ultimately clinch the victory.

Road Ahead for Kessler

Kessler is set to face either Emma Raducanu or Karolina Muchová in the third round on Wednesday, february 19th. Her remarkable win sets the stage for a potential deep run in the tournament.

Kessler’s victory highlights the evolving landscape of women’s tennis, showcasing the emergence of young talent and the potential for unexpected outcomes. As the Dubai Tennis Championships progress, all eyes will be on Kessler as she continues her campaign for a remarkable win.

How does McCartney Kessler’s win over Coco Gauff impact the perceived depth of talent in women’s tennis?

news tag-tennis tag-mccartney-kessler tag-coco-gauff tag-dubai-tennis-championships">

Seeds Uprooted: A Conversation with McCartney Kessler

Archyde News: You’ve made quite a splash in Dubai with your upset win over Coco Gauff. How does it feel to have defeated a top-three player?

“It’s an incredible feeling. Coco is such a talented player, so to come out on top against her is a huge boost of confidence for me.”

McCartney Kessler (@mccartneykessler)

ARN: The rain delay must have been challenging. How did you manage to stay focused and maintain your lead?

mccartney: “It was certainly tough sitting around waiting for the rain to stop. But I used that time to refocus, take some deep breaths, and remind myself of my game plan. Once we got back on court, I stayed committed to my strategy, wich really helped me maintain my composure.”

ARN: Your win highlights the depth of talent in women’s tennis. What do you think sets you apart on the court?

McCartney: “I think my consistency and ability to adapt my game to different situations have been key for me. I work really hard on my fitness and believe that’s given me an edge in some of these tough matches. Plus, I have a fantastic team behind me who help me stay focused on my goals.”

ARN: Looking ahead, you’ll face either Raducanu or Muchová in the next round. What’s your strategy going into that match?

McCartney: “Firstly, I want to savor this win and learn from it. Then I’ll begin to prepare for whoever comes next. I’ll be studying their games,staying flexible,and most importantly,believing in myself. Every match is an chance to grow,and I’m ready to take advantage of that.”

ARN: Your rise in the rankings has been remarkable. What advice would you give to young players aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

McCartney: “Believe in your abilities, work harder than you think you need to, and don’t be afraid to take chances on the court.It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, but if you stay resilient and keep learning, great things can happen.”