Kessler wins Hobart title

Final day in Hobart.

2025 Hobart International, a WTA 250  tournament, on Hard Outdoor, Hobart, Australia, 6-11 January 2025.

2024 champion (not defending):

Emma Navarro (2) who defeated Elise Mertens (1) 6-1 4-6 7-5

Final:

McCartney Kessler (USA) v Elise Mertens (2) (Belgium)

First time meeting between the pair.

Kessler broke in the opening game of set one.

She broke again in game seven to lead 5-2.

Serving for the set, Kessler was broken by Mertens who trailed 3-5, still down a break.

Serving for the set a second time at 5-4, Kessler was successful and took it 6-4.

In the longest game of the match so far, Mertens saved two break points before holding.

Breaks of serve were exchanged in games two and three, which left Mertens ahead 2-1.

Mertens broke serve in game six to lead 4-2, then consolidated for 5-2.

Kessler saved two set points then held for 3-5.

Mertens served out the set 6-3.

Kessler broke serve in games two and four of the decider to lead 4-0.

She held serve in game five and led 5-0.

Serving to stay in the match, Mertens was broken, and McCartney Kessler won 6-4 3-6 6-0.

Title number two for McCartney Kessler, and first since her breakthrough in Cleveland, August 2024.