Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, ranked world number 5, suffered an unexpected defeat in the third round of the WTA 1000 in Montreal, Canada, on July 31, 2025, against American McCartney Kessler, ranked 32nd, by 7-6(5), 6-4, in a 1h45 match. Kessler, seeded 28th, secured her second top-10 win of the season in a match marked by multiple service breaks and a concerning ankle injury to Andreeva, who received medical attention during the second set. The match, played on the Rogers Court at IGA Stadium, highlighted Kessler’s rise, as she now faces Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in the round of 16. Andreeva’s loss raises questions about her preparation for the Cincinnati WTA 1000 and the US Open, while Kessler solidifies her status as one of the circuit’s revelations.
The 18-year-old Russian was coming off an impressive season, with consecutive titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, plus quarterfinals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Despite advancing directly to the third round in Montreal due to Bianca Andreescu’s withdrawal, Andreeva struggled to impose her game.
- Match highlights:
- Game with 13 service breaks in total.
- Kessler won 58% of first-serve points, compared to Andreeva’s 53%.
- Andreeva led the tiebreak but lost the final three points.
- Andreeva’s ankle injury impacted her mobility in the second set.
The match was a test of endurance for both players, with intense moments and service breaks keeping the crowd engaged.
Kessler’s season performance
McCartney Kessler, 26, is experiencing a breakout moment on the WTA Tour. After breaking into the top 30 in 2025, the American has claimed three titles since August 2024, including a WTA 250 in Cleveland, plus victories in Hobart and Nottingham. Her most notable win prior to Montreal was against then-world number 3 Coco Gauff in Dubai, in straight sets.
Against Andreeva, Kessler showed resilience by recovering from a 1-3 deficit in the first set. The American capitalized on Andreeva’s errors, who served for the set at 5-4 and 6-5 but failed to close. In the tiebreak, Kessler’s precision on serve and returns secured the first set 7-6(5).
In the second set, Kessler took control early, winning four consecutive games and building a double-break lead. Despite Andreeva’s late push, saving a match point with an aggressive return, Kessler closed out the match on her second opportunity.
- Key factors in the victory:
- Kessler hit two aces and won critical service points.
- Andreeva committed four double faults compared to Kessler’s eight but was less efficient on first serves.
- The American exploited Andreeva’s reduced mobility post-injury.
Andreeva’s injury and future impact
The ankle sprain suffered by Mirra Andreeva during the second set was a turning point. After receiving medical attention and a bandage on her left ankle, the Russian’s mobility was compromised, limiting her ability to counter Kessler’s attacks. The injury’s severity remains unclear, but concerns linger about her participation in upcoming tournaments, particularly the Cincinnati WTA 1000 and the US Open, starting in a few weeks.
Andreeva, who had been on a break since Wimbledon, where she reached the quarterfinals, couldn’t sustain the form that led to victories over players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Her US Open preparations are now under scrutiny following the early Montreal exit.
Kessler’s path in Montreal
McCartney Kessler advances to the round of 16, where she will face Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, the 24th seed, who outlasted Daria Kasatkina in a tight match decided by a third-set tiebreak (3-6, 6-3, 7-6[4]). Kostyuk, who defeated Kessler at the 2024 US Open, is known for her aggressive and consistent play on hard courts, setting up a challenging duel.
Kessler, however, is riding a wave of confidence. Her win over Andreeva marks her second round-of-16 appearance in a WTA 1000, boosting her momentum. The American has shown adaptability against varied playing styles, as seen in her three-set victory over Maya Joint in the first round.
- Kessler’s recent milestones:
- Three titles since August 2024 (Cleveland, Hobart, Nottingham).
- Victory over Coco Gauff in Dubai, her biggest career win until Montreal.
- Top 30 debut in 2025, cementing her rise.
- Competitive loss to Marketa Vondrousova at Wimbledon.
Montreal tournament context
The WTA 1000 in Montreal, held at IGA Stadium, is a key preparatory event for the US Open. In 2025, the tournament features top players like Coco Gauff, who advanced to the round of 16 after a comeback win over Veronika Kudermetova (4-6, 7-5, 6-2). The event, alternating between Montreal and Toronto, has Jessica Pegula as the defending two-time champion, aiming to maintain her dominance.
Andreeva’s defeat wasn’t the only upset. Other top players, like Jasmine Paolini, also exited early, underscoring the circuit’s unpredictability. Kessler emerges as a potential dark horse, especially if she sustains her level against Andreeva.
Round of 16 expectations
The Kessler-Kostyuk clash promises to be a highlight of the round of 16. Kostyuk, despite an inconsistent season with only four wins in her last ten matches, has experience in big tournaments, reaching quarterfinals in Doha and Madrid. Kessler, with seven wins in her last ten matches, is in better form and could leverage her confidence to chase her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal.
- Key points to watch in the matchup:
- Kostyuk defeated Kessler in straight sets at the 2024 US Open.
- Both players have over 100 hard-court wins in their careers.
- Kessler won at least one set in 10 of her last 11 matches.
- Kostyuk dropped a set in each of her Montreal matches.
The outcome of this match could define Kessler’s season trajectory and determine if she can cement her place among the tour’s elite. For Andreeva, the loss serves as a wake-up call for adjustments before the US Open, particularly regarding her physical condition.
Match numbers and insights
The Andreeva-Kessler match was defined by stats reflecting its intensity. The game saw 13 service breaks, with both players struggling to hold serve. Kessler, despite eight double faults, was more effective on first-serve points, which proved decisive in key moments.
- Statistical highlights:
- Match duration: 1h45, with the first set decided in a tiebreak.
- Kessler won 58% of first-serve points, compared to Andreeva’s 53%.
- Andreeva led the tiebreak 5-4 but lost the final three points.
- Total of 13 service breaks, with seven in the first set.
Kessler’s victory underscores her ability to compete with the world’s best, while Andreeva’s injury adds uncertainty to her season. The WTA 1000 in Montreal continues to deliver surprises, with new storylines emerging each round.