Match Details
Fixture: Magda Linette vs McCartney Kessler
Tournament: Brisbane International 2025
Round: First Round (Round of 32)
Venue: Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane, Australia
Category: WTA 500
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize Money: $1,520,600
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN+
Magda Linette vs McCartney Kessler preview
The two title winners from 2024, Magda Linette and McCartney Kessler, will open their new season with a first-round encounter at the Brisbane International.
Linette, who had lifted a third career title at Prague back in July, has been a steady performer on the tour in recent years. Her 2024 season saw her post a win-loss record of 30-26 and end the season at No. 38 in the world rankings.
It, however, pales in comparison to her career-best 2023 season when she made the Australian Open semifinal and rose to a career-high ranking of No. 19. Back on Aussie soil, she will look to repeat some of those heroics.
Kessler, meanwhile, was playing college tennis until very recently. In fact, she was a wildcard entry at the Tennis in the Land Open, just her fifth main draw appearance ever. She, however, would go on to stun everyone by taking home the trophy after upsetting the likes of Beatriz Haddad Maia, Wang Xinyu, Anastasia Potapova among others.
The American followed that result up with a few decent showings during the Asian swing to peak at No. 63 in the world rankings.
Magda Linette vs McCartney Kessler head-to-head
Linette and Kessler have never crossed paths on Tour before, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Magda Linette vs McCartney Kessler odds
(Odds will be added once they're available)
Magda Linette vs McCartney Kessler prediction
Both Magda Linette and McCartney Kessler play similar brands of tennis, relying on consistent hitting from the back court to wear opponents down.
While we are yet to see more of Kessler, Linette has brought in a few additions to her game over the years. Besides the obvious efforts of being more aggressive, she has also mixed in some slices and drop shots in her arsenal.
The Pole added countrywoman Agnieszka Radwanska to her coaching team during the off season and is likely to benefit from the former Wimbledon finalist's expertise. Known as the "ninja" during her active years, Radwanska could further diverisify Linette's game with her quintessential trickshots.
Linette also holds an edge over Kessler in terms of experience (and fond memories of playing in Australia), having been around on the tour for much longer. She will need to be at her best to hit past the defensive wall that Kessler often puts up. But if she can be just a little patient and not rush into her shots, she should be able to hit her way through to a victory.
Pick: Linette to win in three sets.